Metacam Injection for Cats

If your cat undergoes surgery which can cause pain and inflammation, your cat's veterinarian may prescribe a dose of Metacam to help. According to Meow Meow Mom, many people worry that it can cause death in cats; however, she also states that although it has risks to it, like all pain medications with cats, it also has many benefits. Knowing about Metacam can help you decide if Metacam is the right drug for your cat.

  1. Description

    • Metacam is a pain relieving medication given to cats. It is a NSAID, a non-steroidal medication that also helps with inflammation, similar to aspirin or ibuprofen. According to Drugs.com, the drug tends to reach its maximum effectiveness after an hour and half post-infection. The drug binds together with plasma proteins in the animal's blood. Then the body turns the compound into an alcohol which is in turn eliminated in the cat's urine and feces, removing all traces from the body.

    Dosage and Administration

    • Metacam has a single dose. It is given via a needle injected under the skin, not intravenously. The exact dosing is determined by your vet, but he will use the guidelines of 0.14 mg to every pound your cat weighs. Since it is considered effective in helping to control the pain and inflammation following operations, Metacam is usually given prior to the surgery, helping to make the recovery period more comfortable for your cat.

    Uses

    • A prescribed dose of Metacam commonly accompanies many surgeries. Any type of orthopedic surgery is candidate for Metacam. This could include surgeries on the hip, knee or neck of your cat. The other two most common surgeries where it is prescribed are spaying and neutering.

    Precautions

    • Currently no studies have determined if Metacam is safe for use on cats that are younger than four months old. Likewise, it is unsure if it is safe to use for cats you intend to breed, currently pregnant or lactating cats. It is also not recommended to use it with a cat that has any kind of bleeding disorder. A few side effects, including gastrointestinal, kidney or liver problems can occur. You should watch your cat for any signs of a problem. Your vet will screen your cat for pre-existing conditions prior to administering the drug as well as review any current medications she is on.

    Warnings

    • Since Metacam is intended as a single dose medication, a second dose should never be given. Also, since it is a NSAID, it should not be administered with any other NSAID. If your cat has a history of sensitivity to Metacam or other NSAIDs, Metacam should not be used in any dose.