Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Rheumocam is a medication containing Meloxicam as the primary active ingredient. It is commonly used to alleviate pain and inflammation in dogs with acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis. Rheumocam can also be used in cat’s to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with chronic conditions like arthritis, and soft tissue injuries.
Meloxicam, the key ingredient in Rheumocam, functions by blocking the production of certain inflammation-causing chemicals in your pet's body. This action, focusing on the cyclooxygenase (COX-2) pathway, helps in relieving pain, lowering fevers, and reducing swelling and discomfort. In dogs, Meloxicam is particularly effective because it targets the chemicals causing inflammation more than the beneficial ones, which means it usually has fewer side effects compared to other NSAIDs.
Rheumocam is given orally, as either a chewable tablet or liquid. It comes in a range of strengths and formulations and it is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding dose and frequency. In dogs, the initial dose on day 1 is often higher than the maintenance dose. The Rheumocam maintenance dose should be given every 24 hours. For dogs, tablets can be halved for precise dosing and given with or without food.
For cats, Rheumocam should be administered orally either mixed with food or directly into the mouth around meal times. For cats over 2kg, the oral measuring syringe (provided in the package) can be used. The initial dose on day 1 is often higher than the ongoing maintenance dose. Treatment is to be continued once daily at 24 hour intervals, or as prescribed by your vet.
For emergencies or suspicions in overdose cases, contact your emergency veterinarian or contact the New Zealand National Poisons Centre (www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/) or phone: 0800 869 738.
Rheumocam is generally not advised for pregnant, lactating animals or dogs and cats under 6 weeks of age. It is important to inform your veterinarian if your pet has any disorders of the gastrointestinal system, liver, heart, kidneys, or a tendency to bleed, to ensure they receive the most appropriate care. When using Rheumocam, special care is needed if your animal is dehydrated or has low blood pressure, as there's a risk of kidney-related side effects. If you, as a pet owner, are sensitive to NSAIDs, it's generally advised to avoid handling this medication. Ensure to have a detailed discussion with your veterinarian about these precautions.
Consulting with your veterinarian is important if your pet is on other medications, as Rheumocam is generally not advised in conjunction with other NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids, diuretics, anticoagulants, or some antibiotics. A 24-hour treatment-free period is commonly advised before starting Rheumocam if the pet was previously on other anti-inflammatory drugs. However, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Occasional side effects can include:
Very rarely, more severe effects such as gastrointestinal ulcers and liver enzyme elevations can happen, mostly within the first week of treatment. It is important to contact your veterinarian if any of these side effects appear.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets. The chewable tablets are palatable, so it is essential to store them securely to prevent accidental ingestion by pets.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose to my pet?
Can I give my dog’s Rheumocam to my cat?
How should I store Rheumocam?
Is long-term use of Rheumocam safe?
We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Rheumocam for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.