My precious 13 yr. old bichon mix Annie was diagnosed with TCC this week. During the testing, the vet also found congestive heart failure and fluid on her lungs. She has a few strikes against her. She has been on Metacam for 2 weeks and started diurectics and heart medicine (Fortekor) this week. To see her you wouldn't believe she is a sick dog. She is happy, expressive, active and loves to eat and sleep. She has no accidents in the house either. As we don't have a veterinary cancer specialist in our city, my vet contacted 2 other onocologist vets in other cities. They said they prefer Metacam (NSAID) to piroxicam as it is not as hard on the stomach. She seems to tolerate it. She is starting Baytril this week. We are seeing a vet that specializes in special diets tomorrow. They want her to get on an immune boosting diet that can help her give her more quality time. The fight is on for her. She is so special to me as I do not work (disabled) and I am with her constantly. My sister says I am her 5th leg.
My question is when I read the msgs on this forum nearly all the dogs are on piroxicam. Is there a reason vets do not recommend Metacam? I am making a mistake doing the Metacam vs Piroxicam? Any info would be greatly appreciated.