Musculoskeletal disorder after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 51 reports of musculoskeletal disorder in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

51Reports
76%Marked serious
14%Recovered
31%Died or euthanised
15 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 14%
1–2 days
6 17%
3–7 days
5 14%
1–4 weeks
7 19%
Over a month
13 36%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 9.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 3.9%
Still unwell when reported
17 33%
Died
3 5.9%
Euthanised
13 25%
Not known
11 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
3
4–7 years
6
8–11 years
23
12+ years
17

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 musculoskeletal disorder in dogs?
51 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 15 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).

Musculoskeletal disorder with similar medicines

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