Is your canine companion exhibiting the first signs of osteoarthritis? Watching your pet turn into a lethargic, passive creature must be incredibly painful but there are possible ways to renew its vigor.
The least that pet owners can do for their beloved companions is try administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Meloxicam, whose role is reducing severe pain and inflammation, caused by bone disorders and serious injuries.
Nevertheless, the sole way for such a drug to provide the expected results is being administered properly, following vet recommendations.
If you are about to administer meloxicam to your dog for the first time, the following guide will explain its uses, dosage, and potential side effects.
Uses
Meloxicam is predominantly used among canines in the treatment of severe inflammation and insufferable pain, caused by osteoarthritis. This orthopedic disease refers to the joint inflammation in dogs, being triggered by cartilage deterioration. Owing to its elasticity, cartilage is an excellent shock absorber, whose function diminishes over the years, thus resulting in osteoarthritis.
Apart from being caused by the natural wear-and-tear of the cartilage, osteoarthritis might result from a serious injury, such as a fracture. Additionally, some canines develop this disease due to experiencing a joint infection. However, osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by improper diet, obesity, and aging. Overweight as well as senior dogs are much more susceptible to such bone condition in comparison with the ones eating a proper diet.
Furthermore, certain large breed canines are genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis, especially Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Being an owner of a dog with a genetic predisposition to such disease implies regular vet check-ups, a well-balanced diet, and a carefully designed exercise plan.
Besides being used for the treatment of bone disorders, Meloxicam is considered to be an effective pain reliever due to its role in the secretion of the hormones responsible for triggering pain. By reducing the production of these hormones, Meloxicam is also capable of alleviating post-surgical pain and acute inflammation. Click here for some useful tips about taking care of your pet after surgery.
Dosage
In terms of dosage, dog owners are strongly advised to follow the recommendations of their veterinarian; as otherwise, your furry companion is likely to experience overdose symptoms. Meloxicam is supposed to be administered at a dose of 0, 09 to 0,1 milligrams per kilogram of weight, solely on the initial day of the treatment. Afterward, canine owners are recommended to increase the dose from a minimum of 0,045 mg to 0,5 mg per kilogram, which is supposed to be administered once per day.
Moreover, Meloxicam is available in a variety of forms in the market in order for pet parents to find the most suitable form for their companions. Veterinarians most commonly prescribe the oral form of this drug along with dosage instructions. Since tablets usually contain 7.5 mg of Meloxicam, vets provide precise instructions for administering the exact dosage.
Additionally, these pills can be administered without food or along with a meal, depending on your pet’s preferences. Anyhow, it’s paramount for your furry companion to be able to drink fresh water at all times due to the increased thirst, caused by the tablets.
Furthermore, Meloxicam can also be purchased as a liquid form or an injectable solution. The former is usually added to food, while the latter is administered as an injection. Anyhow, your veterinarian will recommend the form, which is most suitable for the treatment of your dog, adjusting the dose to the severity of its condition.
Dog owners are expected to administer the right dosage to their beloved companions in order to prevent overdose. Bear in mind that exceeding the proper dose is likely to result in symptoms like cardiac arrest, vomiting, severe headaches, tarry stool, lethargy, and dizziness, some of which might prove fatal. The following link, https://www.thesprucepets.com/cardiac-arrest-in-dogs-4136759#:~:text=When%20a%20dog%20experiences%20cardiac,within%20minutes%2C%20death%20will%20occur., explains the main causes and symptoms of cardiac arrest in dogs.
Potential side effects
Similar to the other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Meloxicam is believed to cause side effects, which most commonly affect the gastrointestinal system. As a result, your beloved pet might experience bloody stool and vomiting blood. Due to the increased fluid retention, canines are also prone to swelling and weight gain. Anyhow, in some dogs, Meloxicam is known to result in weight loss.
Moreover, while taking this medication, your canine companion will exhibit signs of increased thirst and excessive urination, which is why it needs to have access to clean water. Also, some pets become incredibly drowsy and weak while taking Meloxicam, which has a tremendous effect on their behavior.
Ultimately, canines might experience jaundice, itchiness, as well as abdominal discomfort. Since some pets are likely to have an allergic reaction to the drug, owners are advised to look out for potential symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties and swelling.
Precautions
Prior to administering Meloxicam to canines, pet owners are expected to be familiar with the necessary precautions. For instance, this drug isn’t supposed to be administered to pregnant canines and dogs younger than six weeks. Also, it shouldn’t be given to animals suffering from certain bleeding disorders as well as to the ones hypersensitive to NSAIDs. Canines suffering from dehydration or cardiovascular problems are more susceptible to experiencing the potential side effects of the drug.
Bottom line
Meloxicam can do wonders for pain alleviation.
It’s worth the try!