Behaviour change after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

292 reports to the FDA describe behaviour change in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 3.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.5% across reports for all dog medicines.

292Reports
41%Marked serious
17%Recovered
15%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
45 29%
1–2 days
24 15%
3–7 days
27 17%
1–4 weeks
22 14%
Over a month
38 24%

How the animals did

Recovered
45 15%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 1.7%
Still unwell when reported
54 18%
Died
27 9.2%
Euthanised
18 6.2%
Not known
143 49%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
21
1–3 years
40
4–7 years
70
8–11 years
78
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 behaviour change in dogs?
292 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 4 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).

Behaviour change with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with behaviour change