Dehydration after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 228 reports of dehydration in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 2.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

228Reports
60%Marked serious
13%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
19 15%
1–2 days
35 27%
3–7 days
34 26%
1–4 weeks
24 18%
Over a month
19 15%

How the animals did

Recovered
30 13%
Still unwell when reported
43 19%
Died
37 16%
Euthanised
38 17%
Not known
80 35%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
28
1–3 years
55
4–7 years
44
8–11 years
58
12+ years
40

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 dehydration in dogs?
228 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).

Dehydration with similar medicines

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