Generic name: meloxicam
Brand Name: Metacam

While meloxicam, an NSAID, is approved for use to treat pain and inflammation in some animals, chronic use may cause toxicity. It is important to discontinue use of prescribed NSAIDs when your veterinarian tells you to do so. Toxicity can also occur if you pet consumes more medication than prescribed.

It is important to note that other veterinary NSAIDs (such as deracoxib, carprofen, ketoprofen, firocoxib and tepoxalin) carry similar toxicity risks.

Signs and symptoms of toxicity: vomiting, abdominal pain, melena (black, tarry stool), diarrhea. These signs may occur within an hour of ingestion. Weakness, involuntary muscle movements, and seizures may also occur and these are signs of severe toxicity.

More severe toxicity (GI perforation or renal failure) may not occur until 48-72 hours after ingestion. Signs of kidney damage include increased thirst, increased urination, loss of appetite or refusal to eat, fatigue, and vomiting.

Toxic consumption:
Doses greater than 5 times the therapeutic dose can result in toxicity.

In cats, acute or chronic doses of any medication may cause toxicity.

In dogs, signs of toxicity can be seen with doses up to 5 times therapeutic dose (0.1-0.5 mg/kg).

Long term use, even at therapeutic doses, can result in clinical signs of toxicity.

Dogs: Meloxicam Toxic Consumption
X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua	Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle	Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier	Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel	X-Large Labrador & Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd	XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard
1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg)	11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg)	26 – 40 lbs. (11.8 – 18.2 kg)	41 – 70 lbs. (18.6 – 31.8 kg)	71 – 90 lbs. (32.3 – 40.9 kg)	91 – 110 lbs. (41.4 – 50 kg)
> 0.2 mg	> 2.5 mg	> 5.5 mg	> 9 mg	> 16 mg	> 20.5 mg

References:
– Matthews KA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2000; 30(4):783-804.
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com