Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Navigation
Front Page
Forum
Gallery
Wiki

Ads by Google


Go Back   Hamster Central > Hamster Central Forum Topics > Hamster Healthcare

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-05-2022, 03:21 PM   #1
RolyRocks
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default Metacam dosage?!

My dwarf hamster was prescribed Metacam today. He has unexplained weight loss (now weighing 50g) and is a little lethargic. He is nearly two years old so it could be symptoms of old age, but sadly the vet couldn't rule out possibly something else going on. She suggested trying Metacam for a week and if no change, I could try an anti inflammatory as well.
I have been given the 1.5mg dog Metacam solution and the vet worked out the dosage which was a little confusing but it works out to be literally a drop.
I was advised to give this once a day but my sister who is a vet nurse said to give this dose twice a day because they have such fast metabolisms.
What should I do.... I'm sure there are many of you on here who have given Metacam to their hamsters, can you please offer me any advice?
Thank you.
RolyRocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2022, 11:22 PM   #2
Ria P
House of Hamsters
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 7,103
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

My elderly dwarf has been on Metacam for quite a while now.
Once a day is the correct dosage and i would follow what the vet has prescribed.
My hamster has also lost weight due to age and underlying health issues and Metacam does help a lot.
Metacam is a painkiller and anti inflammatory.
Several of my hamsters have been on a permanent daily dose of Metacam towards the end of their lives.
Ria P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2022, 11:25 PM   #3
Ria P
House of Hamsters
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 7,103
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

The dosage is worked out going by the hamster's weight.
Ozzy takes his 0.05ml of dog Metacam straight from the syringe and looks forward to it. It tastes sweet and they like taking it.
Our dwarf Edwina wouldn't take it from the syringe but took it on top of a small piece of Shreddie cereal. She got up to eat her daily piece of Metacam Shreddie.
Ria P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2022, 07:32 AM   #4
LunaTheHamster1
Cosmic Hamsters
 
LunaTheHamster1's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2,593
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

Rolyrocks, your sister is not wrong, they do have fast metabolisms and depending on the vet and medicine it will be sometimes be prescribed to split the dosage across 2 times a day. So, either way can be right, I would normally discuss it with the vet though as they know all the circumstances.
__________________
Cosmic Hamsters YouTube Channel
LunaTheHamster1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2022, 10:17 AM   #5
RolyRocks
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

Thank you both so much for your replies.

Ria P, it is good to hear that Metacam has been helping your elderly dwarf, may I ask how old he/she is?
I have been prescribed the 1.5mg dog one, is that what you use? I find the syringe is slightly too big and it is hard to get the little amount I need out the end. I have a smaller syringe from his previous baytril medication and I wonder, if I attach a couple of photos, could you please confirm I have it positioned on the correct amount. Loki weights 50 grams.

Is there anything you do differently for an elderly hamster, like feed them things you know maybe aren't the best for them buy that you know they will enjoy. I know dwarfs suffer from diabetes, but when they are elderly do you let them have a few sweet treats and a few more sunflower/pumpkin seeds then they normally would have??

LunaTheHamster1, as my vet prescribed once daily, I guess like you both said I should really listen to them. It is hard though when my sister is telling me to trust her and give that amount but twice a day, that's double the amount he was prescribed! She said "all non savvy knowing hamster vets say once".

I will try and attach a couple of photos separately, one of the dog sized syringe and one of the smaller one, both with what I believe to be the correct dosage.

Last edited by RolyRocks; 01-06-2022 at 11:37 AM.
RolyRocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2022, 10:22 AM   #6
RolyRocks
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

The purple one is the dog sized syringe.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20220106_171833.jpg (3.81 MB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg 20220106_165528.jpg (3.10 MB, 7 views)

Last edited by RolyRocks; 01-06-2022 at 11:37 AM.
RolyRocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2022, 11:02 AM   #7
Ria P
House of Hamsters
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 7,103
Smile Re: Metacam dosage?!

I always use the smaller syringe because it's far easier to get the dosage right.

Sofar five of our hamsters have been on Metacam from the time they became ill or had surgery in Clarissa's case, until they died and Edwina especially became more active whereas before she had been hiding away and sleeping a lot.

Ozzy is 22 months and has had health issues for a few months. He really picked up for quite some time once he was put on Metacam but he has now reached the point where he is nearing the end of his life, either naturally or with help.

What i do differently for an eldery hamster is that i move them in a bungalow with everything low and easily accessible. Foodwise, i let them have what they enjoy including food i wouldn't normally give a dwarf. If Ozzy wants a sugary Cheerio he can have one.
Ria P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2022, 12:28 PM   #8
RolyRocks
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

Thanks Ria P, it's really good to hear how it has helped your hamsters. I don't really know if Loki has any health issues, apart from the weight loss and being less active, he looks well. His coat is still glossy and the vet agreed he had nice bright eyes. But, I know from experience that weight loss in animals is never a good sign.
I'm glad you said that you give your elderly dwarfs foods that they wouldn't normally have. I have started to give Loki extra treats but then I started to worry that if he is a healthy older boy, I may end up making him poorly and giving him diabetes! I just worry so much about everything, at the end of the day I just want to do the best for my little man. I adore him SO much and it makes me so sad knowing he may not be around for much longer.

Thanks again for all your help, it is very much appreciated.

Thinking of you and little Ozzy.
RolyRocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2022, 02:44 AM   #9
Ria P
House of Hamsters
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Posts: 7,103
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

I think moderation is the key. Ozzy eats his normal healthy diet but i do give him a treat like a Cheerio now and again i would normally have avoided. I think the Metacam is his treat because he loves it, even grabs the syringe with his paws.
Edwina was the same. When i gave her a Shreddie without Metacam, she wouldn't touch it and walk away.

You may have a few months yet with Loki but i know how sad it is when they get older and time becomes precious.

Loki is so lucky to experience the love and care you give him.
Ria P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2022, 08:59 AM   #10
RolyRocks
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default Re: Metacam dosage?!

Thank you Ria P, that means a lot to me.

I am so sorry to be such a pain. I spoke to the vet today as I was having trouble using the dog sized syringe and I just wanted her to confirm thr exact amount I need to give Loki in mls as the larger syringe was in kg (for dogs). She told me it would be 0.3mls but that looks way too much to me. I said using the larger syringe it was literally a drop and this seems a lot but she confirmed that was the right amount.
Does anyone know how to calculate what it should be as I sadly don't trust the vet. I can't get hold of my sister ( who by the way confirmed she meant the one dosage split twice a day, not to double it!)
Loki weights 50g and has been given the 1.5mg/ml oral solution for dogs. I'm thinking he is maybe meant to have 0.03mls which would equate to a small drop.

Thanks for your help. X
RolyRocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
day, dosage, give, metacam, vet

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.43 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Copyright © 2003-2022, Hobby Solutions
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:27 AM.