Urinary incontinence after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 95 reports of urinary incontinence in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 1.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

95Reports
47%Marked serious
11%Recovered
17%Died or euthanised
14 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
9 19%
1–2 days
5 11%
3–7 days
6 13%
1–4 weeks
11 23%
Over a month
16 34%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 11%
Still unwell when reported
38 40%
Died
6 6.3%
Euthanised
10 11%
Not known
31 33%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
5
4–7 years
15
8–11 years
26
12+ years
37

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 urinary incontinence in dogs?
95 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 14 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).

Urinary incontinence with similar medicines

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