Breathing problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

418 reports to the FDA describe breathing problems in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 5.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

418Reports
54%Marked serious
20%Recovered
42%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
84 33%
1–2 days
46 18%
3–7 days
37 15%
1–4 weeks
33 13%
Over a month
51 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
81 19%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 1.0%
Still unwell when reported
53 13%
Died
127 30%
Euthanised
49 12%
Not known
104 25%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
24
1–3 years
52
4–7 years
73
8–11 years
143
12+ years
109

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 breathing problems in dogs?
418 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 2 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).

Breathing problems with similar medicines

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