Vet prescribed Metacam for crystals, updated...

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BooBoo Kitty

BooBoo Kitty

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Good morning all...

One of my non diabetic was diagnosed with crystals in his urine and the vet prescribed Metacam and Clavamox. I have read MANY bad things about Metacam and would like some input on what you all think about it. Also is Clavamox good for treating the crystals? Looks like he was straining again yesterday, or at least taking a while to urinate although he was able to urinate but did it about 3 times in a row, but seems to be ok today so far.

Also BooBoo is doing very well. Her Amps # was 292 and still on the Humulin and this # was at +12! Very proud of my lil' lady!!!
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Personally I wouldn't give any of my cats metacam for anything as there are safer options out there, don't right off the bat remember the names but someone will chime in shortly I'm sure.

There is a blackbox warning on it for use in cats, it is meant for dogs, not cats.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Mel, Max & The Fur Gang
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

If you click on the link in my signature, it will take you to a website were you can read the metacam product label, including the recent black box warning. There is also a link to a letter recently sent from the drug manufacturer to veterinarians in the U.S. informing them of the black box warning AND telling them NOT to use it in cats.

Read. Ask for alternatives. Consider the pro's and con's
Make an informed decision based on what YOU think is best for your cat.
If you choose to use it, for some reason, make sure you are aware of side effects to look for and get prompt medical attention if any of them should arise.
It is VERY important to make sure you have a kidney panel done to check levels BEFORE administering the metacam.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

nope, do not use it and unless a c&s via cysto was done, we do not know if it is a true UTI. could be idiopathic which is caused by stress. usually clav is RX for UTI. crystals in urine is not abnormal. dr lisa just posted on this last week or so.
she does have articles on her web site regarding this.
also, since you have switched to all wet ( you can add water to this too) this will help keep the bladder ect flushed and no build up of mucous and other stuff
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Yeah, I felt funny about giving it to him yesterday, and I always try to go with those instincts now, so i decided to look it up and was terrified by what i read! So I thought I would get some other advise from here. There is an alternative I read about called Buprenex that is safe for use in cats or so I read. Ever heard of this one?
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

buprenex is very commonly used and can be quite effective.

Even if you gave one dose of metacam, please monitor for any adverse reactions.

Curious question...did your vet inform you at all about potential side effects when using metacam?
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

IMHO I would start shopping for another vet, this is twice now that this one has put your precious babies in danger, especially if he didn't advise you about the dangerous side effect of metcam on felines. If this was any of my furry children I wouldn't be waiting for a third time. Again just my own personal opinion.

Mel, Max and The Fur Gang
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Others have answered the Metacam question. The Clavamox is an antibiotic and may help if there is an infection. However, if no infection it will do noting. Clavamox does nothing fro crystals themselves.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Thanx guys... Unfortunately, I cannot afford the other vets here. They always charge $40-$45 for the office visit alone and the other place just charges me for what i need. I have had other vets but just can't afford their fees when the other place is half price. I do most my own research so as long as someone can prescribe me what I need, then I can figure it out on my own. I am going back to him today to tell him what i found out and to exchange it for something else, and I am thinking the bupes. However he seems to be doing much better today, so I am feeling better. No more dry food for ANY of our kitties anymore!!!
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Gonna go to the vet now and ask him more q's and to tell him I don't feel comfortable using it on my kitty after everything I have read. Just not worth the risk. Thanx again for all the info!!! =-)
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

BooBoo Kitty said:
Good morning all...

One of my non diabetic was diagnosed with crystals in his urine and the vet prescribed Metacam and Clavamox. I have read MANY bad things about Metacam and would like some input on what you all think about it. Also is Clavamox good for treating the crystals? Looks like he was straining again yesterday, or at least taking a while to urinate although he was able to urinate but did it about 3 times in a row, but seems to be ok today so far.
Click to expand...

As has been noted below, please see my Urinary Tract Health page and STOP shotgun treating with antibiotics!!

Honestly....I am not sure what is making me crazier...drowning cats in high carb, water-depleted DRY diets....or....drowning them in UNnecessary antibiotics.

As Dian pointed out, you have NO idea if your cat has an infection or not without a culture and sensitivity. Is that test expensive? Yes...maybe ~$100 but putting cats on ABs without any idea if there is an infection present is lousy medical practice and not only harms the patient but puts all living creatures on this planet - including humans - at the mercy of bacteria who now become resistant due to antibiotic abuse.

I am going try to find the time to post a separate post on this issue.

Everyone.....PLEASE...at lease pay attention to the URINE SPECIFIC GRAVITY! If a cat is concentrating to over ~1.040..there is about a 1% chance of an infection being present.

If the urine is more dilute, there is a higher chance of an infection being present....figures range anywhere from 12 - 25%.

Note that I never use the term "UTI". I hate that term unless you define "I". Infection?? Or JUST Inflammation?""

Also... .we need to STOP focusing so hard on crystals....and no...antibiotics have nothing to do with crystals....
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

BooBoo Kitty said:
He had a urinalysis that came back positive for crystals this last Tuesday...
Click to expand...

Sooooo....What does that mean??

What is the significance and why give an antibiotic?

And was this a SEND OUT test....quite possibly resulting in a false positive??
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

I think it was a send out test, and I just got done reading your info... So he is on all wet food friskies Special Diet now. I was doing that but I had left out some dry special diet for urinary tract health as well but yesterday he urinated 3 times in a row and was there for a while then would lick himself afterward. I since took away ALL dry food and will not be giving it again EVER!!! Today he still took a little longer than normal to pee as compared to the other healthy cats, but there was a good amount and he did not lick afterwards. So just keep on with the wet food and shall I trade in the Metacam for the Buprinex today if the vet has it? And what do you think about the treats that say they are for urinary health like the UT chews or I also saw some cranberry stuff...
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

It would be unethical for me to comment on specific cases outside of a consultation but, as noted on my website, I use buprinex - not metacam.

If you think he is on the mend...in order to save money...you may want to just sit tight and give no meds. If he was my patient, he would get buprinex but if he is improving, you may be able to go without it to save money.

Make sure you get a copy of the UA and look at the USG as noted above.

Many times these cats benefit from drugs that relax the urethra such as prazosin or phenoxybenzamine. (I prefer the former over the latter since it has an earlier onset of action.)

Many of these cats are having trouble urinating due to urethral spasms.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Just got the paperwork and they gave me my money back for the Metacam. He has Struvite 1+ crystals it says...
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

BooBoo Kitty said:
He has Struvite 1+ crystals it says...
Click to expand...

And...since it was a send-out test, you have no idea if he really "has" them as you word it above, of if they formed post collection.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Well at least he seems to be getting better from the wet food diet. The paperwork also said no bacteria present. Specific gravity said 1.049, so sounds good. PH was also 7.5... I will stop giving him the antibiotics... Thank you for all ur help too!!!
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Please communicate your plan to your vet. As stated, it is over-stepping my boundaries to make more than general comments on these forums.

If you do speak with your vet, mention the high USG, no C and S, and no bacteria seen on UA (which, in and of itself does not rule out an infection).

And what do you think about the treats that say they are for urinary health like the UT chews or I also saw some cranberry stuff...
Click to expand...

Worthless.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

BooBoo Kitty said:
Good morning all...

One of my non diabetic was diagnosed with crystals in his urine and the vet prescribed Metacam and Clavamox. I have read MANY bad things about Metacam and would like some input on what you all think about it.
Click to expand...

I too, have read all these bad things, lucky for us, Cattro has had to have Metacam a number of times and each time has had rapid pain relief with no side effects. she is prone to cystitis and it helps a lot to give her pain relief at the onset, before she licks herself and becomes raw etc etc. As I understand, pain relief is a bit difficult in cats anyway, and this is one of the best options, Of course it would be horrific if a bad side effect were to happen, but on weighing up the pros and cons, at her age, I have to rather try some pain relief and help than nothing. Good luck.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

mrswoodwoose said:
I too, have read all these bad things, lucky for us, Cattro has had to have Metacam a number of times and each time has had rapid pain relief with no side effects.
Click to expand...

To clarify, I live in the UK and we don't have the same Metacam warning - our Metacam states that it is specifically for cats.
 
Re: Vet prescribed Metacam for UTI

Update on Clayzie...

Successful urination in the litter box without being in there for an excessive amount of time and was a good amount too. Took off of all meds and just sticking to all wet special diet with added water. Seems to be working, fingers crossed that it continues to work! I wanna thank you all for the tip on the wet food because my cats seemed to be doing great and their fur looks great too!
 
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