Swelling after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 431 reports of swelling in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 5.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.8% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

431Reports
38%Marked serious
21%Recovered
16%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
79 36%
1–2 days
41 19%
3–7 days
41 19%
1–4 weeks
24 11%
Over a month
34 16%

How the animals did

Recovered
86 20%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.9%
Still unwell when reported
75 17%
Died
53 12%
Euthanised
18 4.2%
Not known
195 45%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
64
1–3 years
90
4–7 years
101
8–11 years
103
12+ years
55

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 swelling in dogs?
431 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).

Swelling with similar medicines

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