Diarrhea after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,424 reports of diarrhea in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 18% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,424Reports
31%Marked serious
21%Recovered
16%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
134 22%
1–2 days
175 29%
3–7 days
108 18%
1–4 weeks
82 14%
Over a month
101 17%

How the animals did

Recovered
295 21%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
142 10.0%
Died
168 12%
Euthanised
53 3.7%
Not known
762 54%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
137
1–3 years
194
4–7 years
264
8–11 years
387
12+ years
380

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 diarrhea in dogs?
1,424 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).

Diarrhea with similar medicines

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