Alternative to Metacam
 

My 4 yr old GS has been on Metacam and Cosequin due to elbow arthritis for about 3.5 yrs. I have met people who, instead of giving Metacam (due to expense), give 1/2 tablet of aspirin (or soluble dispirin) per day - does anyone else do this and what are the positives/negatives. My vet of course will only promote the positive side of Metacam!

Thank you.

Hi ! Just a suggestion ;) 10 yrs ago I had a cartilage removed from my knee and the surgeon told me afterwards that signs of arthritis were present he told me cod liver oil would help as old folk swear by the stuff !So I have been takeing the stuff ever since and I've had no joint pain whatsoever in that knee ;) I to have a GSD and know what problems they can get to thier joints so I give mine cod liver oil as good measure ;) It works for me so why not her ;)

The anti-immflamatory benefits of Metacam do out-weigh aspirin.
However you can get the Generic brand called "Meloxicam", from "Summit pharmacy". You'd still have to order it through your vet, but it's cheaper than metacam. You can even get it liver flavour!

When Akeija, my goldens hips started to give out, my vet suggested coated asprin 3 x a day. That is the asprin that is for arthritis. It worked for a while but when it stopped I put Akeija on Medicam. She went to the bridge at 15.5 years of age. I also put in a wheel chair ramp for her so she wouldn't have to handle the stairs to go outside. I still miss her. I hope your dog is doing ok on the medicam. I know that it is expensive, but it worked for my Akeija.