Low platelet count after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 53 reports of low platelet count in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.7% 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.

53Reports
91%Marked serious
11%Recovered
43%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 10%
1–2 days
11 28%
3–7 days
6 15%
1–4 weeks
11 28%
Over a month
8 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 9.4%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.9%
Still unwell when reported
17 32%
Died
7 13%
Euthanised
16 30%
Not known
7 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
5
4–7 years
17
8–11 years
15
12+ years
7

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 low platelet count in dogs?
53 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 7 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).

Low platelet count with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count