Leucocytosis after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 279 reports of leucocytosis in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 3.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

279Reports
50%Marked serious
11%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
20 16%
1–2 days
29 23%
3–7 days
31 24%
1–4 weeks
26 20%
Over a month
21 17%

How the animals did

Recovered
30 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
44 16%
Died
59 21%
Euthanised
34 12%
Not known
111 40%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
25
1–3 years
46
4–7 years
67
8–11 years
79
12+ years
52

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 leucocytosis in dogs?
279 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).

Leucocytosis with similar medicines

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