QUESTION

Our Golden Retriever has been taking this drug in a dose of aprox 5ml (cannot be accurate as the syring has weight graduations on it rather than volume he is getting a dose relative to 35Kg). Three weeks after first taking the drug he has started to breath heavily ie "panting". Would this be a common side-effect of the drug or not related to the drug at all?

Seonaid Smith

ANSWER

Dear Seonaid,
It is unlikely to be a side effect of the drug. Metacam is pretty well tolerated in dogs without any common side effects, though occasionally vomiting is seen. Panting may be more commonly caused by obesity or possibly joint pain from the arthritis he probably has( given his medication). If it continues or gets worse I would re consult your vet.

Julian Norton