Fever after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

281 reports to the FDA describe fever in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 3.5% 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.

281Reports
51%Marked serious
14%Recovered
24%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
21 15%
1–2 days
45 31%
3–7 days
19 13%
1–4 weeks
28 19%
Over a month
31 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
37 13%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
63 22%
Died
51 18%
Euthanised
16 5.7%
Not known
112 40%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
41
1–3 years
57
4–7 years
78
8–11 years
70
12+ years
30

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 fever in dogs?
281 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).

Fever with similar medicines

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