Kidney problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

1,011 reports to the FDA describe kidney problems in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 13% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,011Reports
40%Marked serious
8.6%Recovered
31%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
53 14%
1–2 days
96 25%
3–7 days
90 23%
1–4 weeks
78 20%
Over a month
69 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
79 7.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
8 0.8%
Still unwell when reported
108 11%
Died
209 21%
Euthanised
108 11%
Not known
499 49%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
114
1–3 years
144
4–7 years
183
8–11 years
256
12+ years
294

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 kidney problems in dogs?
1,011 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).

Kidney problems with similar medicines

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