Weight loss after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 303 reports of weight loss in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 3.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

303Reports
49%Marked serious
12%Recovered
27%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
21 15%
1–2 days
31 22%
3–7 days
23 16%
1–4 weeks
30 21%
Over a month
37 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
33 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
60 20%
Died
54 18%
Euthanised
29 9.6%
Not known
125 41%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
21
1–3 years
36
4–7 years
77
8–11 years
90
12+ years
75

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 weight loss in dogs?
303 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 7 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).

Weight loss with similar medicines

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