Walking difficulty after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

57 reports to the FDA describe walking difficulty in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

57Reports
77%Marked serious
26%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
11 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
9 21%
1–2 days
7 16%
3–7 days
2 4.7%
1–4 weeks
10 23%
Over a month
15 35%

How the animals did

Recovered
14 25%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.8%
Still unwell when reported
17 30%
Died
7 12%
Euthanised
10 18%
Not known
8 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
7
8–11 years
19
12+ years
19

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 walking difficulty in dogs?
57 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 11 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).

Walking difficulty with similar medicines

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