Not drinking after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

65 reports to the FDA describe not drinking in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 0.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

65Reports
85%Marked serious
22%Recovered
32%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
13 24%
1–2 days
15 27%
3–7 days
11 20%
1–4 weeks
7 13%
Over a month
9 16%

How the animals did

Recovered
14 22%
Still unwell when reported
22 34%
Died
6 9.2%
Euthanised
15 23%
Not known
8 12%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
17
8–11 years
16
12+ years
16

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 not drinking in dogs?
65 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 2 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).

Not drinking with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with not drinking