pain medication after spay

My kitten Ellie got spayed yesterday and they gave me five days worth of pain medication for her when I picked her up this morning. The last time I had to take a cat for spaying was six years ago and I don't remember giving her any medication after. So, I'm wondering if Ellie seems to be her normal self and not in any pain if she really needs it. She's currently chasing her friend Kirby all over the house and doesn't even care when she lands on her belly. I know cats are experts at hiding pain though so I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on this. Thanks

I wouldn't use them unless she's in pain. Did they give her a pain shot after the procedure that you know of?

They didn't say if they gave her anything but it was done yesterday afternoon and she has been acting completely normal all day. She doesn't even seem to care when I touch her belly either so I don't think she's in pain. I don't want to drug her up if it's not necessary but I don't want her hurting either. It would be so much easier if she could tell me what she needs

I think as long as the incision looks good (not angry red looking) I'd not be concerned with the pain meds, especially if it's Metacam.

yep it's metacam And her incision looks good. I was so excited to have them home that I forgot to ask the vet about it while the office was still open Last time I dropped a kitty off at the vet she didn't come home so I was relieved to have healthy looking kittens to pick up today.

So glad this trip had a much better outcome for you!

Definitely NO to the Metacam. You can search on here for the dangers and such regarding it. There are several other pain meds that are much safer and just as effective if you do have to use them. I've never had to give pain meds after a spay or neuter.

Originally Posted by stephanietx

I think as long as the incision looks good (not angry red looking) I'd not be concerned with the pain meds, especially if it's Metacam.

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Actually guys, there is a new study out about the dangers of metcam for cats. I will see if I can locate the link

Here is a follow-up from a personal point of view- the scientific study is on another website

http://www.metacamkills.com/

There is now a black-box warning on Metacam for use in cats. I've specifically told the vet on all my cats' records "NO METACAM".

Originally Posted by stephanietx

There is now a black-box warning on Metacam for use in cats. I've specifically told the vet on all my cats' records "NO METACAM".

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I have done the same - very difficult here as they all use it.

Well, I am very glad she did not seem to be in any pain and I did not give her any of the medication. I had no idea that it could be bad for cats.

I would have agreed with the others that if she isn't acting like she needs it don't use it, and now that I know it's metacam, I definitely say don't use it. In fact take it back and ask to be refunded for it.

Vets that prescribe metacam without full disclosure of the dangers of it really tick me off.

My cats' records also all say "NO METACAM" on them.

Glad your little girlie Ellie is doing so well.

When Attitude was having her issues over the summer I called needing something and the vet said they could try Metacam and if I knew about it and I said that yeah it can cause kidney failure. Needless to say she had to get over it on her own. This had nothing to do with pain. I think it pertained to her unilateral bloody nose but I can't remember, too many medical issues recently.

I always make sure she doesn't get Metacam, my vet pretty much knows how I feel about it. If it is absolutely necessary(and I can't think of a situation where it would be) then yes, otherwise no way.

Attitude seemed a little sore unless I gave her her pain meds for 2 days after her spay(it was not Metacam) and she was fine.

Taryn

There are other safer short term pain medications for cats. Buprenex is my first choice (and my vet's) Turbogesic is another. And there is always tramadol.

I've never used a pain med after a spay. Jennie was my last spay, three years ago, she was about 1 1/2 years old (rescued stray) and did not appear to have any trouble. I wonder if my vet will want to prescribe it for Queen Eva. She's so little, perhaps she won't need it.

Buprenex is what my vet gave me. It is his pain killer of choice and mine. Works well, doesn't cause kidney failure.

Taryn

Originally Posted by Taryn

Buprenex is what my vet gave me. It is his pain killer of choice and mine. Works well, doesn't cause kidney failure.

Taryn

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It can
Do a quick check on it
http://www.ehow.com/about_6292933_fe...-buprenex.html

Originally Posted by sharky

It can
Do a quick check on it
http://www.ehow.com/about_6292933_fe...-buprenex.html

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But...this article is talking about cats who already have reduced kindey function:

Use of Buprenex in felines with decreased kidney function could potentially worsen the condition of the cat's kidneys.

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and

Veterinarians should--and do--take extreme caution when prescribing Buprenex as a pain treatment for an animal with kidney problems, due to the fact that it may worsen symptoms. Once Buprenex is in the feline's blood, the kidneys and gall bladder attempt to filter it out a small amount through a process called excretion. The gall bladder excretes most of the buprenorphine into bile, however approximately 15 percent of the Buprenex present in the blood requires kidney excretion. Though chances are small, the increased burden on the feline's kidneys may increase the severity of kidney problems due to the kidney already being damaged.

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That's quite a bit different from what metacam can do.

<edit> That doesn't change the fact that it's valuable information of course.