Skin necrosis after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

38 reports to the FDA describe skin necrosis in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

38Reports

32%Marked serious

7.9%Recovered

7.9%Died or euthanised

9 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

3 17%

1–2 days

1 5.6%

3–7 days

4 22%

1–4 weeks

7 39%

Over a month

3 17%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 7.9%

Still unwell when reported

11 29%

Died

2 5.3%

Euthanised

1 2.6%

Not known

21 55%

Problems reported at the same time

Skin rash or irritation

17 45%

11 29%

10 26%

9 24%

6 16%

6 16%

Injection site reaction

6 16%

Skin scab

5 13%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 skin necrosis in dogs?: 38 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 9 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).

Skin necrosis with similar medicines

Skin necrosis after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 151 reports · 0.3% of its reports

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