Blood problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 518 reports of blood problems in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 6.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.8% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

518Reports
43%Marked serious
8.3%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
28 13%
1–2 days
43 19%
3–7 days
41 18%
1–4 weeks
53 24%
Over a month
59 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
41 7.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
93 18%
Died
111 21%
Euthanised
58 11%
Not known
213 41%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
57
1–3 years
56
4–7 years
101
8–11 years
166
12+ years
129

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 blood problems in dogs?
518 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 8 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).

Blood problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with blood problems