Liver problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

1,035 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 13% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,035Reports

38%Marked serious

8.2%Recovered

21%Died or euthanised

9 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

55 13%

1–2 days

80 19%

3–7 days

64 16%

1–4 weeks

112 27%

Over a month

101 25%

How the animals did

Recovered

77 7.4%

Recovered with lasting effects

8 0.8%

Still unwell when reported

159 15%

Died

145 14%

Euthanised

77 7.4%

Not known

569 55%

Problems reported at the same time

436 42%

395 38%

341 33%

301 29%

222 21%

173 17%

169 16%

145 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

186

8–11 years

327

12+ years

322

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 liver problems in dogs?: 1,035 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 9 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).

Liver problems with similar medicines

Liver problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 13,930 reports · 29% of its reports
Liver problems after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 2,455 reports · 22% of its reports
Liver problems after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 1,142 reports · 13% of its reports
Liver problems after Firocoxib (Previcox) 1,344 reports · 17% of its reports

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