The symptoms of overdose are related to kidney or liver changes/irritation, with vomiting and diarrhea being the most reported symptom. Overdoses of this medication can be very serious or even life threatening. If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center.
Overdose can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures, and fatal kidney failure. Meloxicam is an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain and inflammation in both humans and dogs. It is safe to give to dogs in the prescribed amount, but care should be taken to avoid overdose.
Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody vomitus, black-tarry stool, inappetance, lethargy, inappropriate urination or thirst, general malaise, abdominal pain, and seizures or death.
Initial treatment is a single dose of 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight on the first day. Treatment is to be continued once daily by oral administration (at 24-hour intervals) at a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg meloxicam/kg body weight.
In dogs and cats, occasional side effects of Metacam are those seen with NSAIDs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood appearing in the stools, apathy (lack of vitality) and kidney failure. In very rare cases anaphylactoid reactions and elevated liver enzymes have been reported.
In dogs, signs of toxicity can be seen with doses up to 5 times the therapeutic dose (0.1-0.5 mg/kg). Long-term use, even at therapeutic doses, can result in clinical signs of toxicity.
Meloxicam is a once-daily non-steroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that you can take by mouth at any time of the day. It's best take your medicine at about the same time each day, and with food or a meal to help prevent an upset stomach.
Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Meloxicam is available in tablet and orally disintegrating tablet form, both of which are produced in 7.5 grams specifications. Initial dosage usually begins at 7.5 g and could reach a maximum dosage of 15 g for adults. So, technically speaking, anything above 15 g is considered an overdose.
Dosage: The usual dose in dogs is 0.1mg per pound as an initial dose the first day, followed by 0.05mg per pound once a day thereafter.
Generally, meloxicam is dosed at 0.045mg/lb once daily in the long term. The first dose may be given at twice this dose, or 0.09mg/lb. Talk to your veterinarian to get the correct directions for your dog.
Metacam's most common side effects are vomiting, soft stools, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Metacam doesn't make dogs sleepy (lethargy or general malaise can be a sign of fatal toxicity), but can cause insomnia, dizziness, or headaches.
For dogs less than 5 lbs (2.3 kg), METACAM Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: one drop for each pound of body weight for the 1.5 mg/mL concentration (two drops for each kilogram of body weight), dropped directly onto the food.
Metacam 5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats
Single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.4 ml/10 kg body weight).
Yes, meloxicam is a fairly potent painkiller. It is a prescription drug that belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment. For all treatments after day 1, METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg).
In dogs, Metacam is used to reduce post-operative pain and inflammation following orthopaedic (e.g. fracture operation) and soft tissue surgery. Moreover, it is used to alleviate inflammation and pain in both acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders in dogs.
They are also not very safe for long term use because side effects worsen over time. The main thing to remember is that all drugs, including NSAIDs, should be used properly according to the dosing instructions on the bottle, and safety monitoring should be done as recommended.
When using the syringe, the dog's weight should be rounded down to the nearest 5 pound increment. Alternatively, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: one drop for each pound of body weight for the 1.5 mg/mL concentration (two drops for each kilogram of body weight).
Metacam dosage for dogs
If your veterinarian prescribes your pup Metacam — whether in liquid or tablet form — you should plan to give it to them once a day, usually in food (especially if they weigh less than 10 pounds). However, if it's given as an injectable, your veterinarian will have to administer it.
Metacam isn't typically given to dogs younger than 6 months of age, those with pre-existing kidney, liver or gastrointestinal health issues, or pregnant or lactating pups.
Metacam® is safe to give to dogs when prescribed by a vet. However, negative effects can occur as a result of drug interactions, overdoses, and allergic reactions.
It is important that you give Metacam according to your vet's advice to ensure your dog recovers as comfortably as possible. If your dog has had a general anaesthetic then the after-effects (e.g. unsteadiness and drowsiness) normally wear off within 24 hours.