Abnormal ultrasound finding after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 151 reports of abnormal ultrasound finding in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 1.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

151Reports
61%Marked serious
11%Recovered
39%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
8 10%
1–2 days
15 19%
3–7 days
15 19%
1–4 weeks
20 26%
Over a month
20 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 9.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
30 20%
Died
37 25%
Euthanised
22 15%
Not known
46 30%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
8
1–3 years
18
4–7 years
33
8–11 years
50
12+ years
41

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 abnormal ultrasound finding in dogs?
151 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 9 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).

Abnormal ultrasound finding with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal ultrasound finding