I discussed again with the vet about her suggestion of giving Blackie Metacam for his arthritis and the pros + cons of it. It was agreed that we try it for a month, starting at 4ml and slowly dropping it down to 2ml/day, but if Blackie is sick, to stop it immediately and get in touch with her.
Your Lucy sounds a a lot worse than Blackie when it comes to visits to the vet - though she won't give him any tablet/treatment without the nurse being in attendance. There's a new nurse there now and she is very good with him - its the way she holds him - she crosses her arms so that Blackie''s head is facing one way underneath her armpit and his paws are held the other way so the vet can take blood from a paw. I think he's so confused as to which way is what, he hardly makes a sound.... it had me laughing my head off when I first saw her do it.
We once had an experience with Blackie just like the one you describe with Lucy, but the nurse was a trainee and if he gets the slightest inkling that someone isn't confident, then he fights like a demon. Fortunately, the vet called a halt to the proceedings before Blackie drew blood. We had to take him back the following week so the vet could work with the qualified nurse in attendance. The worst time was when we had to take him to a vet hospital when he had his luxating patella episode - they were clearly hurting him a lot and he was like a wild beast - so much so the nurse went out and brought back a face mask. I was horrified and told them under no circumstances would I permit them to use it - I'd prefer to take him somewhere else.
On the visit last week for his milbemax pill, she lifted him out of his basket facing me - to my amazement he never made a sound
The nurse didn't need to contort him at all and the vet popped him the pill in his mouth before he knew what was happening. Both the vet and nurse were very surprised - I'd like to think it was because Blackie was facing me .. but maybe not!
Hope Lucy continues to feel well in herself.