What is Metacam?

Just like humans, many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Also known as degenerative joint disease, OA is a condition in which the joints become inflamed, swollen, and painful. Dogs with mild OA may have slight stiffness of the joints. Those with more severe disease may have limping and lameness. Sadly, most osteoarthritic dogs have some loss of mobility due to pain. The bones and joints most commonly affected are the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and spine.

Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication used to treat and control pain and inflammation in dogs. It also helps in reducing fever. Metacam requires a prescription from your veterinarian. 

For:

Dogs (over the age of 6 months)

Benefits:

• Effectively controls pain and inflammation
• Gives your dog more mobility
• Easy dispense of accurate amount of dose as it comes with a graduated syringe
• Can be administered directly into your dog’s mouth, or mixed in your dog’s food
• Palatable taste that is easy for the dog to have through mouth.

Cautions:

While using Metacam, talk to your veterinarian before giving any other prescription or over-the-counter medications to your pet. Metacam should not be used in pregnant or lactating dogs. Don’t use in dogs with heart, kidney, or liver disease. Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive Metacam Oral Suspension. Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats. Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; has liver, or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease or high blood pressure.

Brand Name

Metacam (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Generic Name

Meloxicam (me-lock¿-see-cam)

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

Give the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What are the possible side effects of Metacam:

Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Metacam and seek emergency veterinary care; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives); muscle cramps, open sores in the mouth, seizures, abdominal cramping. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Metacam and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, dry mouth.

Storage:

Store Metacam at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.