Deramaxx vs Metacam?

I didn't want to thread-jack Rachel's thread, so I started this one.

What's the difference between Deramaxx and Metacam? Is one better for pain relief? Is one easier on the dog?

Toby's been on Metacam for a couple of years, but it doesn't seem to be enough anymore. We started for the arthritis in his shoulder, but lately it's obvious that his back-end is having a lot of stiffness and pain. I haven't had him to the vet yet, but as the evenings start getting cooler (even though it's summer) I've definitely noticed a difference at night and in the morning. He's also been grumpier than normal. He is also on a Dr. Foster/Smith joint supplement.

I'll google and see what the story on Deramaxx is, but I was hoping that I could get first hand info here.

MommaJones wrote:I didn't want to thread-jack Rachel's thread, so I started this one.

What's the difference between Deramaxx and Metacam? Is one better for pain relief? Is one easier on the dog?

Toby's been on Metacam for a couple of years, but it doesn't seem to be enough anymore. We started for the arthritis in his shoulder, but lately it's obvious that his back-end is having a lot of stiffness and pain. I haven't had him to the vet yet, but as the evenings start getting cooler (even though it's summer) I've definitely noticed a difference at night and in the morning. He's also been grumpier than normal. He is also on a Dr. Foster/Smith joint supplement.

I'll google and see what the story on Deramaxx is, but I was hoping that I could get first hand info here.

Our vet has my hospice pugs on Metacam vs. Rimadyl right now because of the cost factor. When I had my foster pug Peter (that was hit by a car), he was on Deramaxx for a while. We tried different combinations to help with his pain. His pain was decreased with the additional surgery to shorten the pin that was rubbing against a nerve. The surgeon explained to me that the different pain meds were in comparison to tylenol, advil, asprin... etc. We just had to find the one that worked best for him.

I don't know much about Deramaxx. My Scarlett has been on Metacam for several years (I'm thrilled to say that) and she has done well with it. I wish they could speak to us when they feel pain so that they could answer this for us. I use Metacam when one of the puppies hurts themselves (which seems to be often these days).

Sarina,
How do you give the Metacam? I squirt it on top of Toby's food. I'm wondering if I give it to him directly, if it would be more effective. I'm going to try it that way this evening and see if there's any improvement.

I give it orally, I don't put it on food or anything.

Thurston gets his Metacam (when he needs it) orally. He LOVES it. He even sits for it and wiggles his butt.

I've used Metacam, Deramaxx and Rimadyl for different things over the course of the years. We initially tried Rimadyl for Makayla first and it didn't seem to help her a whole lot. The vet then prescribed Deramaxx as he said she may just respond to it differently. It does seem to be more effective for Kayla than the Rimadyl. My experience with Metacam is very limited. The e-vet prescribed it for Diesel when he ripped his toenail out. I have used it for Grace when her knee pops out and bothers her. I do have some on hand, but not sure it's strength level vs. Rimadyl or Deramaxx.