Meloxicam For Dogs

Meloxicam for Dogs: Anti-inflammatory and Pain Reliever

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is usually given as a subcutaneous (SC) injection at the veterinary hospital or orally (PO) at home as a liquid suspension.

Meloxicam has pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties. It is most often used for treating pain, inflammation, and osteoarthritis and may be used for controlling post-operative pain.

It is not currently used for treating cancer itself but is more commonly used for adjunct pain control for painful types of cancer, such as osteosarcoma.

Brand Names of Meloxicam

For veterinary use in the United States, meloxicam is available under the brand name Metacam®.

How Meloxicam Works to Inhibit COX

Meloxicam reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of cyclooxygenase (COX).

• COX is an enzyme in the body responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PG).
• By inhibiting COX, meloxicam also inhibits the formation of prostaglandins.
• This helps to reduce inflammation.

COX is present in three forms:

• COX-1 – best known for its role in protecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in kidney and platelet function, COX-1 allows for normal functioning of the body.
• COX-2 – more often implicated in inflammation and cancer, COX-2 is produced by exposure to certain substances in response to inflammatory processes or products.
• COX-3 – more recently discovered in the brain, COX-3 appears most related to COX-1, but its function is not yet known.

Over-expression of both COX-1 and COX-2 has been associated with many types of cancers.¹

Though further research is needed, some small studies have investigated meloxicam as a potential treatment for some cancers in dogs, including osteosarcoma,^2,3 mammary carcinoma,³ lymphoma,³ transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder,⁴ and prostate adenocarcinoma.⁴

Meloxicam is COX-2 preferential, meaning that while it can block both COX-1 and COX-2, it prefers COX-2. By blocking this enzyme, meloxicam reduces inflammation and pain.⁵

When to Not Use Meloxicam in Dogs

Meloxicam should not be used in dogs with gastrointestinal ulcers or in dogs already receiving steroids.

It also should not be used at the same time as other anti-inflammatory medications, as there is an increased risk for side effects.

Meloxicam should be used with caution in dogs who have:

• Bleeding disorders
• Impaired liver function
• Impaired heart function
• Impaired kidney function

How to Give Meloxicam to Dogs

Meloxicam is sometimes given as a one-time subcutaneous (under the skin) injection at the veterinary hospital, especially after a painful procedure.

Depending upon where you live, tablets, chewables, and even pastes may be available.

Often, the easiest form for home use is a liquid suspension given orally every 24 hours.

It is recommended to give meloxicam with food in order to prevent stomach upset.

Blood Work Might Be Necessary

Veterinarians like to do bloodwork to get baseline kidney and liver values before starting meloxicam to monitor for side effects (see below).

These tests will ideally be repeated within two weeks of starting the medication.

If no side effects are noted and meloxicam is used over the long term, kidney and liver function should be monitored periodically.

What If I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of meloxicam, you may skip it until the next time your dog is due, or you may give it when you remember and adjust your dosing time. Just be sure not to give it to your dog more than once every 24 hours.

If you are unsure what to do, contact your veterinary team.

Storage and Handling

When using the liquid suspension at home, remember to shake well before each use and measure carefully using the dosing syringe provided.

The liquid may be honey-flavored and should be stored well out of the reach of children and other animals to prevent an accidental overdose.

Meloxicam Side Effects

Meloxicam is considered a relatively safe drug. Gastrointestinal issues, especially vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence (your dog not eating), are the most common side effects noted.

If you see side effects, stop giving the drug immediately and contact your veterinary team to get instructions about what to do next.

More serious side effects involving the kidneys are rare and may not be noticeable by owners, which is why your veterinarian will want to get blood work done if your dog is on meloxicam for a long period.

• These kidney side effects are rare in dogs with normal kidney function.
• Dogs with hypotension, hypovolemia, sodium depletion, or undergoing inhalant anesthesia are at higher risk for kidney toxicity.⁵