|
|
Post by julia123 on Feb 2, 2014 11:05:20 GMT
Hiya am new here, I have 2 degus Gilbert and George. They live in an xtrail,
George started limping last night, I have read similar posts and want to know if it's ok for me to give him 0.05ml of the 1.5mg/ml dog metacam? I keep this in as I have 7 bunnies.
Also vet recommendations please, I live in Sutton Coldfield West Midlands. I know of Marie kubiak at manor in edgbaston but have heard she is/was leaving. I will confirm but hoped someone might know of another exotic in my area?
Many thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Feb 2, 2014 18:22:36 GMT
Degutopia state the dose rate for 1.5mg metacam as 0.0000666 ml/g so if the degu is 250g I make the dosage 0.017 ml dog metacam once a day. It's entirely up to you whether you are happy to give it before seeing the vet. It's usually well tolerated, but the painkilling effect can stop them resting it as much as they should. Can you get any clue from looking what type of injury it might be, break, strain etc? Is he getting about OK and eating OK? Here's our vet list: deguworld.proboards.com/thread/15521/vet-guide |
|
|
|
Post by julia123 on Feb 3, 2014 10:02:22 GMT
Hi thanks for that, i think a sprain as there is no deformity and he will let me touch it. He is eating and active - on his wheel with 3 legs!! But does sometimes sit looking sorry for himself. I gave him metacam yesterday and did wonder if it was a good or bad thing as he might over do it. Can they have willow? If so I will use this instead.
|
|
|
|
Post by Maravilla on Feb 3, 2014 11:12:35 GMT
I have metacam for cats with 0,5mg/ml at home, both for cats and degus. I am surprised that you have the dog version for your bunnies  . As typical dose for degus I know 1-3 drops of the cat metacam, depending on the weight of the animal. So I would be careful with the dog stuff. Nevertheless, I would not give metacam without having consulted a vet. When I had a limping degu I tried Traumeel. If there is any effect it is only a slight one. I also see the problem that the animal, as there is (almost) no pain could use the leg too much and so make the problem worse. |
|
|
|
Post by swiffermuis on Feb 3, 2014 14:47:40 GMT
Marie Kubiak is leaving? Good thing you said so, means I need to find a new vet as well..
|
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Feb 3, 2014 19:23:39 GMT
They can have willow, but I've never known anyone use it medicinally before for degus.
Just to clarify/ compare dosage, one drop is usually said to be about 1/20 of a ml or 0.05ml, so one drop of cat metacam is around the dose rate given by degutopia. It's interesting that you are familiar with doses of 1 to 3 drops, Maravilla, I take it these are typical doses in Germany? Anyway, the 0.017ml of dog metacam would be about 1/3 of a drop.
|
|
|
|
Post by Maravilla on Feb 4, 2014 8:12:12 GMT
I just checked the information available. The last time I went to the vet he told me to apply 3 drops of the 0,5mg/ml metacam (here officially only for cats). What I found now is that initial dose for chronic disease of the locomotor system is 0,1mg/kg body weight. 0,1 mg = 6 drops. Later, it is 0,05mg/ kg, = 3 drops. That means that for a normal degu 1 drop per day should be more than enough. One of the severe side effects is kidney failure so I would really give it only when really necessary.
|
|
|
|
Post by julia123 on Feb 4, 2014 21:35:33 GMT
Thanks for the replies, I thought I had answered but cant find it. Bunnies can tolerate huge doses of metacam, many vets underestimate how much is needed. The dose range is from 0.3 - 0.6 per kg of bunny and this is the DOG metacam. There have been recent studies to show that can tolerate even higher. Long term use does have a negative effect on the kidneys though.
I digress, willow contains salicylic acid which has similar properties to asprin so can be used for pain relief. Anyhow, I decided not to medicate George further as he seems pretty active already and reckon he needs to know he has to slow down a bit! He is eating and drinking ok, he's sitting watching Gilbert on his wheel at the moment bless him.
Is it ok to monitor him for a week or so?
|
|
|
|
Post by julia123 on Feb 4, 2014 21:36:43 GMT
PS I tried to call Manor to find out if Marie is still there - after an hour trying to get through and having the phone put down as soon as I was connected, I gave up!
|
|
|
|
Post by animalmadchloe on Feb 5, 2014 17:01:38 GMT
Honestly I wouldnt wait that long he could be in serious pain with those toes id keep trying any vet just to get him looked At ASAP
|
|
|
|
Post by ntg on Feb 5, 2014 17:21:57 GMT
Thanks for the replies, I thought I had answered but cant find it. Bunnies can tolerate huge doses of metacam, many vets underestimate how much is needed. The dose range is from 0.3 - 0.6 per kg of bunny and this is the DOG metacam. There have been recent studies to show that can tolerate even higher. Long term use does have a negative effect on the kidneys though. I digress, willow contains salicylic acid which has similar properties to asprin so can be used for pain relief. Anyhow, I decided not to medicate George further as he seems pretty active already and reckon he needs to know he has to slow down a bit! He is eating and drinking ok, he's sitting watching Gilbert on his wheel at the moment bless him. Is it ok to monitor him for a week or so? Hi Julia, I think AMC was mistaking you for the other person who posted the photos. If he has no sign of deformity or break and seems to be getting on okay in himself/the limp is improving then it would probably be okay to just observe him for the next few days. |
|
|
|
Post by animalmadchloe on Feb 5, 2014 17:41:43 GMT
Sorry my bad ;D lol I get easily confused :S
|
|
|
|
Post by julia123 on Feb 5, 2014 19:53:57 GMT
Lol, its ok! I saw the other poor lad :-( George seems to be improving slightly and putting more weight on it. What a worry these furries are! I thought bunnies were complicated! Lol! Actually they have similar needs and digestive systems. Bunnies don't seem to suffer diabetes but they do get digestive upsets from too much sugar. Never too much hay is always my rule! Its funny seeing the goos eat it with their little hands bless them :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Feb 5, 2014 19:58:52 GMT
Haha when I see my niece's rabbits it always amazes me how they manage to eat without using their feet as hands!  I'll separate off Aidan101's posts into a new thread. |
|
|
|
Post by julia123 on Feb 5, 2014 20:03:18 GMT
Haha when I see my niece's rabbits it always amazes me how they manage to eat without using their feet as hands! I'll separate off Aidan101's posts into a new thread. Lol!! Well with my lot very messily!! The two biggies especially, just been out to do veggies.... dribbles of carrot everywhere in fandango & Giselles shed!! |
|
. 
