Metacam vs. Prednisone Comparison

Metacam

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Prednisone

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Rimadyl for Dogs

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Reduces Pain and Inflammation associated with Arthritis?

Reduces Fever?

Reduces Joint Stiffness?

Controls Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Additional Benefits

Oral suspension comes with graduated syringe for accuracy

Remedies swelling and itchy skin caused by allergies

Also relieves pain and inflammation from hip dysplasia

What Makes it Different?

Comes in an oral suspension for easy administration

Also treats inflammation due to Addison's disease

Can also reduce pain associated with surgery or dental procedures

Recommended For?

Dogs (Over 6 months of age)

Dogs & Cats

Dogs (Over 6 weeks of age)

Product Type

Oral Suspension

Tablet

Chewable Tablet

Usage

RX Required

How Long does it Take to Work?

Within Hours of Dose

Video

Ingredients

Meloxicam

Prednisone

Carprofen

Does it have long-term side effects?

GI abnormalities (vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, and inappetance) were the most common adverse reactions associated with the administration of meloxicam. In rare situations, death has been reported as an outcome of the adverse events listed above. Renal failure has been reported as an outcome of repeated oral dosing of cats.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may product posterior sub-capsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.

Laboratory studies in anesthetized dogs and clinical field studies have demonstrated that Rimadyl is well tolerated in dogs after oral administration

Cautions

Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. Do not us on cats.

Without first talking to your veterinarian, do not give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving prednisone. There are possible side effects, including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and fatigue.

Do Not Give To Cats

What are Customers saying Pros

We moved and have a new vet who I asked if she had any ideas for improvement. Within two weeks of her being on Metacam, her whole life has changed. She, by her expression, feels SO much better, tries to bounce along -- still can't walk well -- and is barking and playing like she hasn't in five years!!!! We have a new dog!

..nice to know I've got my good boy back for now. Great product!!

Hi! My name is Big. I am a 13 year old boxer and I have a collapsing disk in my back. It's the very last one at my tail. My mom had x rays on my hips and knees but the Dr. told her it was a disk at my tail and that's why I get up and down slowly. It is painful most days. The Dr. suggested Rimadyl treatment and I have been on it for over a year with great results. I can get up and down just like a pup now.

What are Customers saying Cons

...may cause kidney failure.

...who seemed better for 2 days, then she started seeming sluggish ..."After one day of taking it he started vomiting and had severe diarrhea¿

Vet Recommendations

Metacam is a very effective nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication that has proven very effective in dogs. I have found it especially useful in very smaller dogs, where it is quite helpful in managing arthritis and pain, as well as helpful in reducing fevers as well. The only occasional side effects I have seen with this product is digestive upset, as well as even rare liver or kidney complications. I give this product an overall ranking of a 4.5 out of 5.

There is not a more widely used as well as widely misunderstood drug used in veterinary medicine than the use of oral prednisone. Since many of the chronic diseases treated in small animal veterinary medicine are often due to an overactive immune system response, whether talking about skin/ear allergies, chronic digestive tract inflammation, chronic respiratory or coughing issues, and even inflammation of the brain and spine, this drug is often prescribed by many veterinarians for these various conditions. It is important for animal guardians to understand that when using a drug like prednisone, we are often treating symptomatically, where we dont know or understand the cause of the chronic problems of these various organ systems in most cases. . In other words we are often quickly bandaiding the symptoms but not often addressing the underlying causes of the problems that often elude even the most intense diagnostic search. . . Except for what are called autoimmune diseases, where the body literally attacks its own tissues, such as the red blood cells or platelets, leading to life threatening blood disorders, or the joints in diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, the use of prednisone can often be curative in those conditions as the immune system is so overactive that the life of the animal can be at risk. However it is important for veterinarians to always look for underlying causes of any of these various disorders, so that cure is more likely, and to avoid the occasional side effects seen when this drug is used long term. When prednisone is overused topically and/or orally, side effects can include excessive thirst/urination/appetite, and panting, as well as a thinning of the skin, and weakening of the bones and ligaments of the body, in addition to predisposing to secondary infections particularly of the urinary tract, as well as in occasional cases of diabetes. If used in high doses or for long periods, digestive tract ulceration and bleeding can also occur. However if prednisone is used in appropriate fashions for the above chronic conditions, where the oral dose is tapered to the lowest effective dose to control clinical signs, hopefully every other or every third day in those chronic incurable conditions, than many dogs can remain on this drug long term. The most important point to understand, however, is that when on this drug long term, periodic blood and urine testing should be monitored to detect any early side effects. And while I try and use other milder drugs and various supplements or antihistamines listed on the 1800petmeds website , in some very severe skin allergies with incessant itching, sometimes low dose Prednisone is the only drug that can truly get the itch under control for symptomatic relief for the animals at a reasonable cost, without resorting to very expensive drugs like Atopica or trips to veterinary dermatologists which can cost hundreds to even thousands of dollars long term. I certainly prefer low dose infrequent dosing of Prednisone to control chronic clinical signs over the long acting cortisone injections that many vets use, which indeed have more significant side effects and risks outlined above. While taking everything above into account, and with adequate monitoring, I give Prednisone an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of use of a 5 as well.

Rimadyl is one of the most common non steroidal anti inflammatory medication used in veterinary medicine. It is one of the few medications that are safe to use in most puppies for pain, fever and inflammation. It is also commonly used in pain management in most surgical procedures in dogs. It is also commonly used for long term management of degenerative joint disease and arthritis. Many years ago many were concerned about the side effects of rimadyl, particularly in certain breeds like Labrador retrievers; however, rimadyl has been the drug with the most safety studies of all of the nonsteroidal prescription anti inflammatory medications. As with other drugs of its class, occasionally digestive and bleeding side effects can occur, as well as rarely liver and/or kidney complications. Before using this drug I always recommend blood work, as well as periodic blood work monitoring when used long term. I give this product an overall ranking of 4 out of 5.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.