Wobbliness (ataxia) after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats
The FDA has received 165 reports of wobbliness (ataxia) in cats after Meloxicam. That is 4.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.7% across reports for all cat medicines.
165Reports
32%Marked serious
12%Recovered
27%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
Sponsored
How soon it started
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
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 wobbliness (ataxia) in cats?
- 165 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 1 day 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).
Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines
- Wobbliness (ataxia) after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 187 reports · 5.7% of its reports
- Wobbliness (ataxia) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 30 reports · 1.8% of its reports
All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)