Excessive thirst after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 276 reports of excessive thirst in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 3.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

276Reports
32%Marked serious
13%Recovered
14%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
16 13%
1–2 days
19 16%
3–7 days
22 18%
1–4 weeks
26 21%
Over a month
39 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
30 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
6 2.2%
Still unwell when reported
50 18%
Died
18 6.5%
Euthanised
20 7.2%
Not known
152 55%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
30
1–3 years
22
4–7 years
51
8–11 years
86
12+ years
80

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 excessive thirst in dogs?
276 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 10 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).

Excessive thirst with similar medicines

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