Bruising after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 70 reports of bruising in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

70Reports
71%Marked serious
17%Recovered
27%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
7 15%
1–2 days
6 13%
3–7 days
15 31%
1–4 weeks
11 23%
Over a month
9 19%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 16%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.4%
Still unwell when reported
20 29%
Died
8 11%
Euthanised
11 16%
Not known
19 27%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
9
8–11 years
24
12+ years
15

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 bruising in dogs?
70 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).

Bruising with similar medicines

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