Dehydration after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

The FDA has received 300 reports of dehydration in cats after Meloxicam. That is 8.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.0% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

300Reports
23%Marked serious
4.0%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
12 17%
1–2 days
23 33%
3–7 days
15 21%
1–4 weeks
17 24%
Over a month
3 4.3%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 3.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
20 6.7%
Died
91 30%
Euthanised
20 6.7%
Not known
157 52%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
56
1–3 years
53
4–7 years
64
8–11 years
57
12+ years
65

About this medicine

Meloxicam relieves pain and inflammation.

Products with this ingredient include Metacam. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Meloxicam cause dehydration in cats?
300 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 3 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Dehydration with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with dehydration