Tremors after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 245 reports of tremors in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 3.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 3.4% across reports for all dog medicines.

245Reports
38%Marked serious
23%Recovered
18%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
34 25%
1–2 days
28 20%
3–7 days
23 17%
1–4 weeks
22 16%
Over a month
30 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
54 22%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
36 15%
Died
20 8.2%
Euthanised
24 9.8%
Not known
108 44%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
23
1–3 years
53
4–7 years
42
8–11 years
58
12+ years
64

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 tremors in dogs?
245 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 4 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).

Tremors with similar medicines

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