Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 51 reports of decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.6% 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.

51Reports

90%Marked serious

22%Recovered

27%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

4 9.5%

1–2 days

9 21%

3–7 days

10 24%

1–4 weeks

10 24%

Over a month

9 21%

How the animals did

Recovered

10 20%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 2.0%

Still unwell when reported

15 29%

Died

4 7.8%

Euthanised

10 20%

Not known

11 22%

Problems reported at the same time

26 51%

24 47%

22 43%

20 39%

19 37%

18 35%

18 35%

Decreased red blood cell count

16 31%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?: 51 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 7 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).

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 168 reports · 0.4% of its reports
Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 37 reports · 0.3% of its reports
Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 49 reports · 0.6% of its reports
Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Firocoxib (Previcox) 29 reports · 0.4% of its reports

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)