Question:
One of my cats (Spanky) has been diagnosed with feline leukemia, (FeLV) after a vet visit for what appeared to be an eye injury, or possible head trauma. A second IFA test was not done. The vet gave Spanky a shot of metacam, and a prescription of the oral metacam to be given, one syringe a day for 3 days, and then 2 drops once a day in his food, which I have done for 7 days. I have since researched the drug Metacam, and found it is for dogs, and not recommended for cats, and can be fatal to a cat, if an overdose occurs, along with liver and kidney problems. Although Spanky has been diagnosed with FeLV, he acts like a perfectly healthy cat, other than his apparent eye problem. I am going to stop the metacam, and attempt to have another pain medication prescribed, however, I was wondering if anyone would know if the 7 day dosage I have already administered could have damaged his GI system, beyond repair. I have a call into my regular vet for another FeLV test, along with kidney and liver function tests. I guess my bottom line question is: Could there already be extensive GI damage because metacam was given for 7 days that would not be cureable, putting aside the fact of the positive ELISA FeLV test? Thank you for any and all input regarding this issue.

Answer:
I don't know much about metacam, so I googled it after I read your blog and found that the USA has approved metacam injectable for cats, although not oral use. Following is the contraindications of a bad reaction to the drug:

"Information For Cat Owners: Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, is not free from adverse reactions. Owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with NSAID intolerance. Adverse reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite and behavioral changes. Cat owners should be advised when their pet has received a meloxicam injection. Cat owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if possible adverse reactions are observed."

You say that your cat is acting healthy, so it would appear that he hasn't had any adverse reaction. I suppose though, if it was my cat, I would be alarmed enough to stop giving him the drug. And again, I'm not a vet, but this is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which, by definition isn't a pain killer, but an anti-inflammatory. Still, it's good to be safe and have this all check out with a vet (the same vet that prescribed metcam??? Hmmm....I don't know...)

Answer:
http://www.persiancats.org/nss-folde...isksInCats.pdf

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