Wobbliness (ataxia) after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

336 reports to the FDA describe wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs given Meloxicam. That is 4.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

336Reports
39%Marked serious
11%Recovered
28%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
40 25%
1–2 days
36 23%
3–7 days
19 12%
1–4 weeks
32 20%
Over a month
33 21%

How the animals did

Recovered
35 10%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
62 18%
Died
49 15%
Euthanised
44 13%
Not known
144 43%

Problems reported at the same time

93 28%
93 28%
66 20%
52 15%
44 13%
43 13%
37 11%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
27
1–3 years
26
4–7 years
65
8–11 years
87
12+ years
122

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 wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?
336 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 3 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).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)