Loose stool after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

146 reports to the FDA describe loose stool in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 1.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.9% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

146Reports
32%Marked serious
14%Recovered
14%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
15 22%
1–2 days
17 25%
3–7 days
12 18%
1–4 weeks
9 13%
Over a month
14 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
19 13%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
17 12%
Died
16 11%
Euthanised
4 2.7%
Not known
89 61%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
13
1–3 years
14
4–7 years
32
8–11 years
31
12+ years
53

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 loose stool in dogs?
146 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 3 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).

Loose stool with similar medicines

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