Meloxicam vs. Prednisolone Comparison

Meloxicam

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Prednisolone

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Reduces Pain and Inflammation associated with Arthritis?

Reduces Fever?

Reduces Joint Stiffness?

Controls Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Additional Benefits

Generic equilavent to MetaCam

Remedies swelling and itchy skin caused by allergies

What Makes it Different?

Comes in tablet form rather than oral suspension

Only comes in a 5mg tablet

Recommended For?

Dogs

Dogs & Cats

Product Type

Tablet

Usage

RX Required

How Long does it Take to Work?

Within Hours of Dose

Video

Ingredients

Meloxicam

Prednisolone

Does it have long-term side effects?

Repeated dose studies showed characteristic changes reported with other NSAIDs (gastrointestinal ulceration and erosion). Long term studies showed renal papillary necrosis.

Cushing's Syndrome in dogs has been reported in association of prolonged or repeated steroid therapy

Cautions

Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. Do not us on cats.

Without first talking to your veterinarian, dp not give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving prednisone. There are possible side effects, including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and fatigue.

What are Customers saying Pros

My 10-year-old Maltese ruptured a disk five years ago and has been unable to walk well and generally never felt well. She pretty much just sat in my lap and slept all the time.

... a small price to pay for the rest of her skin to be doing so good.

What are Customers saying Cons

N/A

...it started to have a negative effect on kitty.

Vet Recommendations

Meloxicam is another excellent and effective prescription nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication that has been around for several years. It is especially helpful in that middle size to larger dogs, and comes in an easy to administer tablet. With regular use, this product can help reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness. It is important to have blood work done before using this product, as well as periodically if used long term to monitor for toxic reactions. The most common side effects seen in sensitive pets are vomiting and/or diarrhea, and in rarer exceptions liver or kidney complications may occur; thus the importance of the blood work. I give this product an overall ranking of 4 out of 5.

Prednisolone is a drug I will usually only reach for joint pain and/or stiffness if other prescribed nonsteroidal anti inflammatory have failed to work. While cortisone like drugs such as prednisolone can work to reduce inflammation and pain quite quickly, I do worry about the weakening effect on the ligaments and bone when used long term. I will usually use prednisolone over prednisone in geriatric pets or pets with preexisting liver disease. When used long term, it is important to monitor blood work to check for organ toxicity. The biggest side effects seen are usually increased thirst/urination/appetite, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting. It is also important to monitor for blood loss as well. I give this product an overall ranking of 3.5 out of 5.

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