Pain after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

175 reports to the FDA describe pain in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 2.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

175Reports
50%Marked serious
10%Recovered
28%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
30 30%
1–2 days
22 22%
3–7 days
8 7.9%
1–4 weeks
23 23%
Over a month
18 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
17 9.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
35 20%
Died
21 12%
Euthanised
28 16%
Not known
73 42%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
21
1–3 years
29
4–7 years
32
8–11 years
52
12+ years
39

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 pain in dogs?
175 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).

Pain with similar medicines

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