Baby Aspirin vs. Metacam for Arthritis?

[EMarston]

I'm coming to terms with the fact that my 2-year-old roo may have chronic arthritis. The vet and I can't figure out what else it could be. He appears in good shape (except he still doesn't roost at night) when he is on metacam, but since my vet charges $60 for a 2-week supply, that is not sustainable for me.

I've been reading on this forum that baby aspirin seems to be an option for chickens. My questions are:

1. What is the dose for a 9+ pound rooster? I have 81 miligram tablets and I'm thinking of crushing up whatever the correct dose is and mixing it with something (banana?) that he will eat... I've seen some dosing for mixing it with gallons of water, but he's in with my whole flock, so I need to be able to get it into something I can give just to him.

2. How often do I need to give the dose? Metacam is just once a day, which is pretty handy...

3. Is this safe for long-term use?

Any other suggestions??

Thanks!

 

[dawg53]

Any swelling in the joints or feet? Might be gout. Here's the aspirin dosage you requested:
http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/solutions.html

 

[EMarston]

I've read about gout and the symptoms don't seem to match up as well as the staphtococus arthritis symptoms do. :-(

Thanks!