metacam dose

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sandra,
I previously e-mailed regarding DW. I figured she had a sprained foot. She had been limping for a few days but then I noticed some slight swelling. I brought her to the vet and he gave her metacam but I think the dosage is wrong although he assured me he checked it twice. She is not fully grown yet, weighing in at 0.32 kg and he recommended 0.8 mg of metacam, not 0.08, this seems like way too much. I've been giving her half this much (which still seems lika a lot) and she's not eating it all. I'm not going to give her any tomorrow and I'm calling the vet on Monday. She is walking on her foot now but it still seems a little swollen. What's your opinion on this?
Thanks
Michelle

ANSWER: Average total dose/ rat/ day: 0.001mg/g x 300g = 0.3mg

Your rat is 320 grams (0.32 kg) so he should get .3mgs

If your rat is a pound and a half, he would get .6mg once per day.


I would not even call the vet Monday.  I would simply find another one.
Metacam is very toxic on the kidneys.  Overdose can destroy their delicate kidneys.  How irresponsible of the vet!


Do you need names of a vet that can give proper care to rats , let me know your location and I will gladly give you names, no obligation!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much Sandra. I knew it sounded wrong. I live in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada. I've talked to you before. I'm limited on vet who know anything about rats. I found this one who seemed really good. I was the one last year with the rat Nimh who had a very large tumor and decided on having the operation but she died in recovery. This vet sees a lot of small animals often and he's the 4th one I've been to. My choices are limited here. If you do know of anyone let me know. Thanks so much.
Michelle.
P.S She's only been taking meds for a couple of days and she's not taking the full dose, thank god, but could I have done any damage in 3 days? Also is that why she's walking on her foot fine now? Could she be over medicated and doing more damage?
Thanks again
Michelle

Answer
Usually they get better on their own in a day or so.  It probably would have done it without the metacam.


Here is what I have found as far as Vets go:


Dr. Hendrik DeZeeuw
Sunrise Animal Hospital
1 Sunrise Ave
Mount Pearl, NFLD (Just outside St. John's)
Phone: (709) 368-7981 (also for emergency)