Buscopan ok with Metacam?

[sarahp]

I have a 4-year old pig, Charlie, who has a wee infection. He was put on Baytril to start with earlier in the week but I wasn't happy and went to a second vet.

The second vet checked him over a lot more thoroughly and after cleaning a lot of nasty, smelly gunk out of his bottom and bits, he suggested we wait a few more days before doing an xray to check for bladder stones. He gave me Septrin, Metacam plus some Hibiscrub to keep him clean.

So at the moment he's getting Septrin, Metacam, water, cranberry juice and Metatone (he's just about maintaining weight but could do with eating a bit more). He seems a little more alert and drier on his tummy, but is still squeaking when he wees (3 or 4 squeaks in a row each time).

I understand Buscopan should help. Is it ok to give him a Buscopan tablet when he's already on Metacam?

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Hi, I'm no expert, the only thing I know about Buscopan is what I personally take it for, which is to help my digestive system work a little better without any discomfort i.e. helps/stops it from being jittery. Not sure that helps. Sorry

 

[missy]

I'm afraid I'm no expert either but I was recently advised by an experienced member of this forum (a frequent contributor to this H&I board) not to give Buscopan and Metacam at the same time (a private conversation though, so no posts to refer back to I'm afraid).

I'm not sure whether or not there are actually any contra-indications but that's that's the advice I was given. As I understand it, Buscopan is anti-spasmodic but not actually a painkiller, so if you did try a Buscopan tablet (instead of Metacam) and a one-off dose didn't seem to have any effect on his symptoms then I'd be inclined to revert straight back to the Metacam to ensure that your pig is getting adequate pain relief.

Have you tried giving your pig homemade barley water as a supplement in addition to the other things you're giving him? Some people find it very beneficial for guinea pigs with cystitis etc.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

As missy said, I'm inclined not to give both Metacam and Buscopan together.

Although no drug interactions are apparent between them, it's more useful to see if the Buscopan has any effect - the only way you are going to see if it soothes is by not giving Metacam as well.

Buscopan is an anti-spasmodic which eases the spasms in the gastrointestinal and the genitourinary tract, which in turn can help relieve some of the pain associated with bladder problems. In cases of cystitis I personally feel an analgesic (e.g. Metacam) is of more use, but there's no reason to consider if Buscopan could help.

How long can it be given for, I'm not sure, I'll have to get back to you on that.