During regular checkups, be sure to examine your patient and check with the patient’s owner on both efficacy- and safety-related issues:

• Is the patient behaving more energetically?
• Have there been any episodes of limping or stiffness in movement?
• Have any side effects to treatment such as a change in appetite or drinking habits been observed?
• Has there been a change in urination or bowel movements?
• Are there any signs of vomiting? Jaundice?

Should side effects start to appear, adjusting or discontinuing the dosage of the NSAID may be necessary. According to new treatment standards, achieving the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response can help minimize side effects while improving client compliance and reducing treatment cost over the course of therapy.

With a liquid NSAID such as METACAM, adjusting the dosage in very small increments, which can be slowly decreased over time, helps maintain an optimal balance between efficacy and safety for your patient. As with any NSAID, if side effects appear, pet owners should be instructed to stop administration of the NSAID and contact their veterinarian.