Meloxicam is too expensive for my old hen, any others?

[WilliamC]

Butters the hen is 9. She has arthritis in her hip and a bad lower back. So she doesn't get around that well, leg a bit swollen. Been this way for a year and a half. Vet is a good hour away and makes me come in every month for a refill. Tried PetMeds but he denied it, said come in. Meloxicam is getting very very expensive. Over 100 dollars for a tiny bottle. Is there ANY other pain meds i can give her? Thanks

 

[GlicksChicks]

I don't know much about medicine for chickens, but warm epsom salt bath every now and then could relieve some pain.

 

[WilliamC]

I don't know much about medicine for chickens, but warm epsom salt bath every now and then could relieve some pain.

I do that. I gave her a soak the other day. But for day to day pain to help her get around im not sure what else to use but Meloxicam.

 

[GlicksChicks]

I do that. I gave her a soak the other day. But for day to day pain to help her get around im not sure what else to use but Meloxicam.

Carprofen is a commin NSAID for pain in chickens like arthritis. For longer cases you can use tramadol.

 

[WilliamC]

Carprofen is a commin NSAID for pain in chickens like arthritis. For longer cases you can use tramadol.

I never heard of carprofen. Its it a prescription? Unfortunately i cant obtain Tramadol without at prescription.

 

[GlicksChicks]

I never heard of carprofen. Its it a prescription? Unfortunately i cant obtain Tramadol without at prescription.

Unfortunately I think it needs a prescription.

 

[WilliamC]

I had a hen with a fractured pelvis whom I administered 1/2 an 81mg coated aspirin every 4-6 hours. I gave her yogurt to soften the effect on her digestive system. My vet agreed this was great and suggested I attempt to give her a little Maalox for the acidic qualities, but Georgie wasn't going for that business.

My hen is now healed after 6 weeks of treatment living on an overstuffed dog bed inside all summer!

The aspirin was colored and Georgie readily pecked it right up when it was time for her dose!

Ok i just found this. I have low dose aspirin. Since she is one hen mixing up a quart of gallon of water may not give her enough dosage to help. What is everyone opinion?

 

[GlicksChicks]

Ok i just found this. I have low dose aspirin. Since she is one hen mixing up a quart of gallon of water may not give her enough dosage to help. What is everyone opinion?

If I understand what you are saying correctly what you could do is use less water with the same amount of aspirin suggested and syringe feed her the water, or see if she will take it how it is.

It is a good idea to give the hen something to soothe the results of the aspirin on her bodily functions.

 

[WilliamC]

If I understand what you are saying correctly what you could do is use less water with the same amount of aspirin suggested and syringe feed her the water, or see if she will take it how it is.

It is a good idea to give the hen something to soothe the results of the aspirin on her bodily functions.

Thank you. She is syringe trained. Is the half an 81mg a correct dose for a 5lb chicken? With food or antacid?

 

[GlicksChicks]

Thank you. She is syringe trained. Is the half an 81mg a correct dose for a 5lb chicken? With food or antacid?

The dosage rate is about 25 mg/lb body weight per day.

I would recommend with something like yogurt.