cortisone vs metacam

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Kathie, Sep 12, 2010.

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  1. Kathie

    Kathie Member

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    Jul 6, 2010
    Which is more dangerous metacam or cortisone? I have to decide which to give Mr. B. He can't eat and I don't know what to do. My vet seems fine with metacam, never even told me to look for side effects. It's almost impossible to find a vet you can have confidence in.
     
  2. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    The sticky at the tope of this forum contains the new guidelines for NSAIDs use in felines. Those guidelines discuss use of Metacam. Metacam can cause GI problems if given on an empty stomach. What is "wrong" with Mr. B? That information is really needed to get any useful advice.
     
  3. carolynandlatte

    carolynandlatte Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Kathie,
    Im trying to remember what is the possible cause of your cat not wanting to eat. Was it dental or stomatitis (sp?).

    I guess Im asking because finding the root of why Mr. B is not eating is important so you know how to treat. It could be that he isnt in pain, and doesnt even need a pain med....he may need something for nausea instead. That is for you and your vet to judge. Just thought I would throw it out there. And, if it is pain, depending on the type you could put buprenex in the list of options, or many others that may be 'safer' than either metacam or a steroid.

    I think I asked about your vet giving the NSAID in conjuction with a steroid. Were these really given together? How long ago? When was the last time you gave metacam? Remember, change of appetite while on metacam would warrant stopping the medication and getting some labs done (kidney/liver) to re-evaluate if its safe to continue.

    Im assuming mr b is diabetic? The steroid may cause an increase in bg's. If he is not, it could cause diabetes. Not ideal. But, every cat is different. May not happen. Just something to be aware of.

    How old is Mr. B?

    Have you tried an appetite stimulant in the meantime, while you are sorting out the best option for Mr. B?

    Pain is a tough one with cats. I know. My girl ended up in a great deal of pain, in which we had no options left come the end. :YMSIGH:
     
  4. Kathie

    Kathie Member

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    Jul 6, 2010
    Carolyn and Larry,

    Mr. B is suffering from stomatitis. He had some teeth extracted in July to help relieve this, and given metacam for pain. (4 times). He was given 2 cortisone shots, July 6th and the last on August 14th which helped but has now worn off. I took him to the vet (he was on vacation and his partner saw him) on Sept. 8th and was given antibiotics and metacam. I was given 5 doses of metacam to give him as needed; however, I haven't given him any because I am afraid. He was okay until yesterday . When he tries to eat and tries to swallow, he gags and spits out food. I've been giving him wet cat food in gravy mashed up to make it easier to swallow. Also, chicken soup and beef soup. Otherwise he seems fine, grooms himself, affectionate, etc. He is NOT diabetic. I hope this makes sense. I've been sick myself the last few days and can't concentrate that well.
     
  5. laur+danny+horde

    laur+danny+horde Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    sorry to hear Mr B is ill, and that you haven't been well either.

    did a regular vet take out the teeth, or a dental specialist? If a regular vet, he may have missed some problems.

    Zollikins had stomatitis and was having real trouble eating. My former vet wanted to do steroids but after one round the problems returned. I didn't want to do a rollercoaster of pain and steroids since there was no prospect of a cure. So we went to a dental vet and she said that all the teeth had to come out, and part of the gums as well. The regular vet had missed a hairline crack in a fang too, but then he didn't do dental xrays. Zollie had buprenex for the pain, before the surgery, along with viscous lidocaine which numbs wonderfully (but unfortunately tastes really terrible). For the surgery she had a fentanyl patch and more buprenex. Everything's been great since the surgery 2 years ago.

    I'm thinking Mr B needs to see a veterinary dentist.

    laur
     
  6. Kathie

    Kathie Member

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    Jul 6, 2010
    Laur, you might be right, but isn't that very expensive? Mr. B's nine years old, does age make a difference?
     
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