Hair loss after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

103 reports to the FDA describe hair loss in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 1.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines.

103Reports
30%Marked serious
15%Recovered
1.0%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
8 19%
1–2 days
10 23%
3–7 days
4 9.3%
1–4 weeks
11 26%
Over a month
10 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 9.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 4.9%
Still unwell when reported
16 16%
Euthanised
1 1.0%
Not known
71 69%

Problems reported at the same time

23 22%
13 13%
10 9.7%
Hyperpigmentation
8 7.8%
Pr-skin, lesion(s)
8 7.8%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
15
1–3 years
13
4–7 years
24
8–11 years
22
12+ years
26

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 hair loss in dogs?
103 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).

Hair loss with similar medicines

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