Death after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,242 reports of death in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 15% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 5.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

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How soon it started

How the animals did

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

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 death in dogs?

1,242 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 5 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).

Death with similar medicines

• Death after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 8,622 reports · 18% of its reports
• Death after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 2,268 reports · 21% of its reports
• Death after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 964 reports · 11% of its reports
• Death after Firocoxib (Previcox) 1,491 reports · 19% of its reports

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