Possible NSAID over dose?????
HI I have 2 guinea pigs that were neutered tuesday. My guinea pigs are taking 1.5 mg/ml Meloxicam, .4 ml per day. Tonight instead of giving them their antibiotic, I accidentally gave them a second dose of the NSAID. I have never been through this before, and I'm only 16 and I was told I'm not getting taken to the vet again (one guinea pig had a few problems and had to go back twice). I go to Cornell vet hospital, and it is expensive for a 16 year old that's paying for everything on my own. I'm scared and I don't know what to do. Please help??
My boys weights are 2 lb 65 oz and 2 lb 95 oz
My boys weights are 2 lb 65 oz and 2 lb 95 oz
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
There is a range of use for the meloxicam. On occasion it is even given at a higher rate. I think you will be okay.
Petmd mentions these side effects in dogs and cats. I would watch out for them:
http://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/meloxicam-metacam
Change in bowel movements (black, tarry or bloody stools or diarrhea)
Change in behavior (increased or decrease activity level, incoordination, seizure, or aggression)
Jaundice (yellowing of gums, skin or whites of eyes)
Increase water consumption or urination changes (frequency, color, or smell)
Skin irritation (redness, scabs, or scratching)
Stomach ulcers may occur
Unexpected weight loss
Petmd mentions these side effects in dogs and cats. I would watch out for them:
http://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/meloxicam-metacam
Change in bowel movements (black, tarry or bloody stools or diarrhea)
Change in behavior (increased or decrease activity level, incoordination, seizure, or aggression)
Jaundice (yellowing of gums, skin or whites of eyes)
Increase water consumption or urination changes (frequency, color, or smell)
Skin irritation (redness, scabs, or scratching)
Stomach ulcers may occur
Unexpected weight loss
Typically it is the chronic use of NSAIDs that cause serious things like ulcers and interstitial nephritis (basically fried kidneys) which would be confirmed via blood chemistry. Definitely watch for the symptoms that Lynx listed. As Lynx said, you will probably be ok, just be careful. I would also call your vet and see how he/she would like you to handle their next dose of meloxicam if they are to continue on it for the next few days for their surgery. They may/may not want to decrease the next dose, but let them make the call to be safe and give you peace of mind.
I've read a few posts on doses of Meloxicam for guinea pigs. I personally think that a lot of dosage confusion arises in that the syringe supplied is marked in body weight Not mls- this is very important to understand. According to the BSAVA veterinary formulary for exotic species - guinea pigs should be started on the same dose as for dogs of 0.2mg per kg. By injection this is 0.04ml/kg of 5mg/ml strength or 0.1ml/kg of 2mg/kg strength injection. Orally the dose is one unit on the special syringes per kg body weight once or twice a day. They can be given a higher dose but please ask your vet to work it out. Understanding mls (millilitres); mgs (milligrams) & kgs (kilograms); & using correct syringes is extremely important. Dosing with Metacam 1.5mg/ml strength bottles is convenient as they're calibrated so as 2 "drops" can be given per kg once or twice daily.
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- You can quote me
Your pigs should be fine. We've gone higher than that for pigs in severe distress or postop. Kansas State vet school has gone over 1 mL of 1.5 mg/mL per kg.
As Clint says, long-term exposure is much more of a problem than a high dose for a short time. Watch how your pigs respond, but it's highly unlikely the double dose has caused any problem. (If anything, it probably made them feel better.)
REC -- in the US, anyway, a standard 1cc Monoject syringe tip will fit *inside* the dog dosing syringe that comes with the bottle. The bottles are designed to give accurate drops, yes, but drawing first from the bottle into the dog syringe, then secondarily into a 1cc from the dog syringe gives a more precise measurement.
As Clint says, long-term exposure is much more of a problem than a high dose for a short time. Watch how your pigs respond, but it's highly unlikely the double dose has caused any problem. (If anything, it probably made them feel better.)
REC -- in the US, anyway, a standard 1cc Monoject syringe tip will fit *inside* the dog dosing syringe that comes with the bottle. The bottles are designed to give accurate drops, yes, but drawing first from the bottle into the dog syringe, then secondarily into a 1cc from the dog syringe gives a more precise measurement.