DERAMAXX VS METACAM

Question
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU COULD GIVE ME A COMPARISON ON THE 2 DRUGS CALLED METACAM AND DERAMAXX. DO THEY TREAT THE SAME PROBLEMS? DO THEY HAVE THE SAME SIDE EFFECTS? I HAVE A 15 YEAR OLD DOXIE THAT HAS BEEN PERSCRIBED DERAMAXX AND I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD MIN PIN THAT HAS SEVERE ARTRITIS IN HER BACK AND WAS PERSCRIBED METACAM. I JUST WANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE IN THE 2 DRUGS.  

Answer
Hello Laurie -

Yes both of these drugs treat the same thing. Here is a breakdown below.

Deramaxx:
Prescription non steriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved by the FDA. It is used to control the pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery in dogs. It targets the source of arthiritis pain. It is available in 25 mg and 100mg beef flavored chewable tablets that can be added to your dogs food. The usual dose is 1.4-1.8mg per pound by mouth daily. This is a once a day dosage and should not be used by breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. This should not be used with other tablet form anti-inflammatory medications.

Metacam:
Prescription NSAID. A half teaspoon of th liquid suspension once a day provides relief for 24 hours. It is honey flavored and is used to control pain, inflammation and soreness in dogs with osteoarthritis. It is available in 10ml, 32ml or 100ml dropper bottles and the usual dose is 0.1mg per pound as a single dose on the first day then 0.05mg per pound given once every 24 hours afterwards. It should not be used in the last third of pregnancy and should not be used by nursing animals. Do not administer to animals with heart, kidney or liver disease.

I personally, would not use either of these medications as they may provide side effects in the long term. As an alternative to these medications, you could begin a regimen of Glucosamine & Chondroitin along with Omega-3 essential fatty acids such as Fish Oil or Evening Primrose Oil. Daily supplements such as these have shown outstanding results and have shown significant improvement in overall dog health, stamina and energy.

The most important thing given your dogs age is to keep them as comfortable as possible. Add a drop of Lavender Oil to their favorite snuggling place. This will help them relax, calm down and enjoy a more peaceful rest.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like additional information regarding natural and herbal remedies for human and/or animal concerns, please contact me at  wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you a catalog of my natural home made remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pets.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist