Hypoalbuminaemia after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 192 reports of hypoalbuminaemia in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 2.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

192Reports
50%Marked serious
11%Recovered
35%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
13 15%
1–2 days
17 20%
3–7 days
20 23%
1–4 weeks
22 25%
Over a month
15 17%

How the animals did

Recovered
20 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
31 16%
Died
47 24%
Euthanised
21 11%
Not known
72 38%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
19
1–3 years
24
4–7 years
50
8–11 years
66
12+ years
27

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 hypoalbuminaemia in dogs?
192 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 5 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).

Hypoalbuminaemia with similar medicines

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