Metacam (Meloxicam) is usually supplied as a pleasantly flavoured liquid. It can be given directly into the mouth or added to food. Most dogs and cats take it quite happily in food. A special syringe is provided to help measure out the correct dose. Great care should be taken if it is given directly into the mouth of cats, to guard against accidental overdose. Tablets and an injectable solution are also available.
Metacam belongs to the group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs). It acts preferentially on the so-called COX-2 receptors rather than COX-1, which helps to reduce the potential for side effects.
Metacam is used in dogs and cats to reduce pain and inflammation. Most commonly this is to treat arthritis, but many other conditions such as pain after surgery, injuries or painful tumours can also be treated. Metacam is one of the very few drugs which can be used for these reasons with reasonable safety in cats.
The vast majority of old dogs and cats become stiff, slow and weak in their movements as they become old. Most often these changes are partly due to the joints “wearing out”, just as they do in people. This is essentially what is meant by arthritis. Metacam is able to restore some comfort and freedom of movement to many older animals.
Effectively treats pain and inflammation
Gives your dog more mobility
Comes with a graduated syringe, with weight measurements, that easily and accurately dispenses the correct amount of oral suspension
Can be administered directly into your dog’s mouth, or mixed in your dog’s food
Palatable taste
What do a 110-lb Golden Retriever and a 6-lb Yorkie have in common? When each is suffering from the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, each needs effective, lasting relief.
METACAM relieves pain in dogs of all sizes…and yet it recognizes the very real distinctions between large and small breeds. That’s why METACAM Oral Suspension comes in two different concentrations—a lower one, suited for smaller dogs, and a higher one, that fits the needs of larger breeds. Its calibrated syringe delivery also makes it easy to adjust dosage to match your patient’s body weight. So whether your patient is big or small, METACAM offers the ideal fit for pain relief. Best of all, it can be given once daily, which provides a full 24 hours of relief.
There are several benefits of using Metacam on dogs. It can be safely used as a long-term treatment option for animal osteoporosis. It also can safely be given to dogs that are elderly or very small in size. Dogs respond well to Metacam because it has a honey flavor.
Meloxicam (Metacam) is generally given to control arthritis pain in dogs though can be given for many other painful conditions such as injuries, cancer, surgery, dental infections, and more. In dogs, it is typically given as a once a day in the form of a pleasantly flavored liquid. The veterinary approved product comes with a special dosing syringe marked to show how much to give for the pet's weight (rather than in milliliters as most syringes are marked).
Meloxicam can be used in cats but with caution. The original oral solution of meloxicam was commonly dosed in drops from the bottle. Since the wrong dose of meloxicam can be dangerous for cats, it is important not to drop the drops directly into the cat's mouth from the bottle as squeezing too strongly could easily deliver an overdose. There is currently a newer formulation at one third the strength of the original, which can be dosed more accurately with the included syringe. In cats, this product is given either as a single one time injection in association with surgery (its FDA approved use) or long term two to three times per week.
Patients being considered for long-term meloxicam use should be evaluated with a complete physical examination and initial screening blood test to identify any factors, such as liver or kidney disease, that might preclude the use of this or any other NSAID.
Metacam can be taken on both a full or an empty stomach. If your dog experiences stomach upset as a result of the medication, it might be beneficial for the medication to be administered when he is full. The medication tends to become effective approximately 8 hours after it is taken.
Most flexible, proven NSAID system for OA Pain Management in the dog.
Palatable taste dogs easily accept.
Used safely worldwide for more than 10 years. Some dogs have used Metacam daily for more than 8 years.
Essential components of a comprehensive OA pain management protocol include weight loss and appropriate levels of exercise. By controlling pain and inflammation, NSAID therapy plays a critical role in helping patients achieve greater mobility. Metacam provides flexible and accurate dosing based on body weight without the inconvenience of splitting pills. This makes Metacam an ideal NSAID choice.
Graduated syringe with weight measurements easily and accurately dispenses the correct amount of oral suspension.
Solution for injection can be administered either IV or Sub Q to initiate quick relief of OA while in the clinic.
The aqueous solution for injection can be quickly and easily drawn into a syringe through small gauge needles (even as small as 25 gauge).
No refrigeration necessary.
Duke was diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) shortly after his owners noticed a disturbing change in him. He was slow to get up and had lost interest in many of his favorite activities—running in the yard, jumping to catch a frisbee, bounding up the stairs at night; but thanks to METACAM, things are looking up for Duke and his family. A single injection of METACAM in the veterinary clinic provided Duke with quick pain relief. When he returned home, his owners continued his pain management therapy with easy-to-administer oral METACAM. A single daily dose of METACAM provides a large dog like Duke with 24-hour relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. After just 8 weeks of therapy, Duke's acting...and moving—like his old self again.
When Peanut's owners noticed that her seemingly boundless energy was fading, they started to wonder what was happening to the 3-lb dynamo they knew and loved. Peanut's owners felt that she may simply be getting old, but after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, Peanut was given METACAM to help relieve her pain. For Peanut, METACAM does double duty. It not only relieves her pain and inflammation, it offers a unique lower concentration developed just for little dogs like her. METACAM is also dispensed in a special syringe that's calibrated in small, 1-lb increments, giving Peanut's owners the peace of mind in knowing that they can tailor her dosage to match her specific body weight. As Peanut's owners know, great things come in very small portions.
Meloxicam is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in the family of Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin. As a result, it carries the same following side effects:
Stomach ulceration
Unusual bleeding
Loss of kidney function/failure
NSAIDs decrease the blood supply to the kidney, which could possibly cause kidney failure in certain at-risk dogs.
While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, meloxicam may cause side effects in some animals.
Meloxicam should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
According to manufacturer – this warning has been issued “Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats.”
Meloxicam should be avoided in animals with a history of bleeding, inflammation, or perforation of the stomach or intestinal mucosa (lining). It should also be avoided in animals with dehydration or low blood pressure and in puppies less than 6 weeks of age.
This drug must be used with caution in patients with heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Meloxicam is approved for use in cats and should only be given as directed.
Meloxicam may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving might interact with meloxicam. Such drugs include aspirin, corticosteroids, and ACE-inhibitors (enalapril, benazepril, quinapril).
Side effects of meloxicam include stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal bleeding, dark or tarry stools (from bleeding into the intestines), vomiting, loss of appetite, and peritonitis (from intestinal perforation). Some of these side effects can assume life-threatening proportions and they can occur relatively suddenly.
The potential for ulcers increases when meloxicam is used in combination with corticosteroids (such as cortisone or prednisone), aspirin, or phenylbutazone.
Meloxicam can adversely affect kidney function by causing sudden severe injury to the kidneys (papillary necrosis).
Blood clotting may be impaired due to the effects of meloxicam on the blood platelets.
As with other NSAIDs, meloxicam may cause liver injury, with concomitant elevation of liver enzymes in blood tests.
Meloxicam is available in 7.5 mg and 15 mg tablets. In U.S.A., Canada and Europe, meloxicam is available as a 1.5 mg/mL oral liquid and as a 5 mg/mL injectable solution. Meloxicam is available as Metacam® in the United States in 0.5 or 1.5 mg/mL liquid suspension for oral administration. Meloxicam is also available as an injectable form concentrated at 5 mg/ml.
Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
In dogs for an anti-inflammatory effect, meloxicam is dosed at 0.1 mg per pound (0.2 mg/kg) initially, followed by 0.05 mg per pound (0.1 mg/kg) once daily.
In cats, the product is labeled for a one-time subcutaneous injection at a dose of 0.14 mg per pound for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, etc.
The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication, and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed otherwise by your veterinarian. Even if your pet appears to be feeling better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse.
Meloxicam (Metacam) belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The NSAIDs are effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever, but carry the risk of causing stomach (gastric) ulcers, liver injury, and kidney damage in animals. (NSAIDs).
These drugs relieve inflammation and pain by inhibiting the synthesis of chemicals called prostaglandins.
Meloxicam also demonstrates effectiveness against fever.
Meloxicam has been specifically approved and labeled for use in dogs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The injectable form of this drug has been approved for use in cats by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
12/19/2011, by ..., Kentucky
Austrilian shepard - " My 13 yr.old Auusie "
My old cowgirl Austrilian shepard dog decided to go running while we rode our horses 12 miles. We didn't even know she was with us because there were 4 other dogs. She couldn't even walk up a little step to get into the house. My vet gave her this wonder drug and she is moving around and acting so much better, It is truly an amazing drug for inflammation etc. I know it's not a cure but if it helps the old gal ...
Kavykeeper - Eased the pain in my guinea pig
posted 2 years ago
One of my guinea pigs was diagnosed with scurvy due to insufficient vitamin C. In addition to treatment for that, my vet prescribed Metacam to reduce the pain. I noticed a huge difference in her behavior after the first dose. It's made treating her much easier. Great stuff!
12/18/2011, by Callie's Mom, New York State
Lab and chow mix - " Metacam "
Callie responds well to the medication. It makes it less painful for her to walk. I administer it to her, based on her weight of 65 lbs, when I see she is having a tough time. Because this can affect her liver I give it to her once every 2 days. With winter upon us, I may have to increase the frequency to make her comfortable.
Carolyn M. - Great product!
posted 2 years ago
My vet prescriped Metacam for my dog McDougal when his arthritis really started flaring up. Within a day or two, he was back to his old self. Before taking Metacam, he was inactive and a hard time getting up and down stairs. After taking it, he was able to do stairs without a problem and even got back some of his old puppy habits. Metacam is also a lot safer than some of the other arthritis drugs on the market and has less side effects. I would highly recommend this product.
12/16/2011, by Cilla's owner, Central PA
mixed - " Metacam is great "
My poodle/dachshund mix is 17 1/2 yrs old and with Metacam she acts like she is a puppy again. Not only can she walk and run better, her joie d'vivre is back and she plays with our other dog like before. She can again go up and down stairs. Amazing. Wish I had started her on it sooner. ... Great find.
Haley H. - Great for bunnies
posted 3 years ago
Metacam is a great pain reliever for bunnies. My Max was on it when he had a tooth root abscess. Vets are just starting to realize that rabbits often feel pain but just do a good job of hiding it. More and more vets are giving Metacam or stronger pain meds to rabbits post op.
11/20/2011, by dog lover, Herndon, Va
Cairn Terrier - " Excellent Product "
My Cairn terrier is now 16 1/2yrs. old. He started on Metacam when he was 13. The difference in his "attitude" was immediately noticeable. He uses to be quite cranky and really did not want to be touch because he was slightly arthritic and now no one can believe he is as old as he is. In the mornings he can run as if he is a puppy and in the evenings he still goes out for his walk. We know without a doubt he would not be enjoying the quality of life he has if not for this medicine. My vet does require a blood test to check his liver enzymes because it can affect the liver but we have not had any problems. He is on dosage amount #15.
Paula H. - Great fever reducer
posted 3 years ago
I have used this more times then I can count. In fact, I keep a bottle on hand at all times. When my Pug had a high fever, I used it and it brought the fever down. When my Pomeranian had pain I used it and it helped her pain. ...
10/18/2011, by Love My Girls!, Detroit, MI
Mixed Breed - " An Amazing Product! "
My 13-year-old and 9-year-old mixed breed dogs have been using Metacam for about a year now; it has made such a difference in their lives! They love running and playing again, and getting up and out in the morning is so much easier now. I especially appreciate having this medication in a liquid form, as my older dog is suspicious of anything that looks remotely like a pill! It's a great feeling to know that they are spending their senior years pain-free and comfortable.
Debra - Heps with arthritis
posted 3 years ago
This drug can be used for pain relief for dogs as well as helps with URI with cats, but have to be very careful in dosing it for the cats, see your vet. This is great for a dog with arthritis.
10/15/2011, by Elmo, Oxnard CA
Dachsund mix - " Best thing ever!! "
My doggie is eleven years old and for weeks she couldnt move from her bed, Getting up to eat was a struggle for her. After the first day of giving her Metacam she was a new Dog i was so amazed how fast this really worked . For the first time in a long time she was running. I will keep giving this to her for the rest of her life knowing she is in no pain and make her as comfortable as possible!!
Dawn - Pain free...finally
posted 3 years ago
My dog had an infection in her mouth that was causing her a lot of pain. This medication helped almost immediately. She was able to eat again. It was very easy to administer and the bottle has a top that fits the syringe perfectly for drawing it up. No mess involved.
09/17/2011, by Cat ... Columbus, Oh
Short hair - " Good for Cats too! "
My cat has inflamatory arthritis. My vet explained that this was an off brand medication for cats but that it worked on his own cat with no issues. My cat went from being unable to walk up or down the stairs to running and playing again. It is great drug whether your pet is a cat or dog.
bob l. - Effective Medication
posted 3 years ago
This is a medication similar to Tylenol. It is a very effective pain reliever. We use it at the shelter. It seems to work well on animals that don't respond well to Rimadyl because it's not as hard on the stomach. Vets are starting to use it more often. It is important to know your pet's weight when administering it.
09/09/2011, by Michelle, Green Valley, AZ
Collie/Bassett Mix - " Best Purchase Ever! "
My collie mix, who's 16, has had arthritis problems for a few years and the Metacam has made a huge difference in her behavior. She still has some difficulty getting up, but is better with it; once up, she does very well and even runs sometimes. The difference in her movement is amazing with Metacam -- it truly is a wonder drug!!
09/08/2011, by Jack, Bay Area Calif
Labrador Dalmatian - " Thank You! "
One day I noticed that Maggie, my Lab/Dalmatian dog, was moving very gingerly, which is very uncharacteristic of her usual self. As i watched her, I noticed that she was holding her tail strange and would not squat during BM's. I brought her in to my vets. After some examination, I was informed that she was suffering from inflamed arthritis and to try Metacam. I tried and WOW! I noticed the difference the next day. Maggie was back to moving freely.
I have a Border Colley/Rottweiler dog named Buddy, as well. Buddy, was diagnosed with arthritis a couple years back. I started to give Metacam to Buddy. WOW! Buddy now moves with greater ease and is back to joining the pack on our walks.
...
I recommend all pet owners to learn if Metacam can help your beloved pet.
07/08/2011, by Lisa, Columbia, SC
lab/rot mix - " Abigail is Wonderful! "
I could see a dramatic improvement in her arthritis after the 1st two dosages. She was going through so much pain just trying to get up off the ground and up the steps. It would take her about 3 or 4 times to finally get on her feet! Now she bounds up the stairs on the first try and gets up on her first try. She doesn't seem to be in any pain and is constantly smiling now! She is a wonderful pet... Thank you for helping me to help her