Tachycardia after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

92 reports to the FDA describe tachycardia in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 1.1% 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.

92Reports
58%Marked serious
11%Recovered
43%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
10 17%
1–2 days
14 24%
3–7 days
8 14%
1–4 weeks
18 31%
Over a month
8 14%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 11%
Still unwell when reported
12 13%
Died
20 22%
Euthanised
20 22%
Not known
30 33%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
14
1–3 years
21
4–7 years
13
8–11 years
28
12+ years
14

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 tachycardia in dogs?
92 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 5 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).

Tachycardia with similar medicines

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