Hypothermia after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

98 reports to the FDA describe hypothermia in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 1.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

98Reports
54%Marked serious
24%Recovered
44%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
19 38%
1–2 days
15 30%
3–7 days
11 22%
1–4 weeks
3 6.0%
Over a month
2 4.0%

How the animals did

Recovered
19 19%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 5.1%
Still unwell when reported
7 7.1%
Died
34 35%
Euthanised
9 9.2%
Not known
24 24%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
16
1–3 years
30
4–7 years
18
8–11 years
15
12+ years
18

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 hypothermia in dogs?
98 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 1 day 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).

Hypothermia with similar medicines

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