Metacam, a brand name of meloxicam, is one of several drugs classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are usually prescribed for joint pain, arthritis and for pain relief after surgery. While millions of dogs have been able to live longer, more comfortable lives because of drugs like Metacam, there are some serious, potentially lethal, side effects. Being aware of early warning signs can ensure your dog does not become a sad statistic.
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How Metacam Works
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Metacam decreases inflammation, and thus decreases pain, by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase-2 (or COX--2). This property in Metacam and other NSAIDs was a breakthrough in pain management when it was approved for use in dogs. However, NSAIDs also inhibit a different but related enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1). COX-1 regulates blood supply to the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. When this enzyme is inhibited, the result is stomach and intestinal side effects and kidney damage. In extreme cases this can lead to kidney failure and death.
Metacam is a newer class of NSAID introduced in 1997, called a COX-2 preferential NSAID, because it exerts a more inhibiting effect on COX-2 over COX-1. However, like any medication, it still has side effects.
Benefits
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Prior to the approval of NSAIDs like Metacam, there were no truly effective medications for long-term use for chronic conditions like arthritis. Metacam can also be injected to target painful joints and ease post-surgical pain. NSAIDs are prescribed hundreds of thousands of times a year for pain relief without incident.
Side Effects
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Side effects of Metacam most commonly include stomach upset, kidney or liver malfunction and abdominal bleeding. Side effects may be mild and often temporary, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Always call your veterinarian if you notice your dog becoming lethargic, unwilling to eat or showing the above symptoms for more than a day.
Considerations
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Not every dog is a candidate for NSAIDs like Metacam. Elderly dogs with compromised kidney or liver health or dogs battling certain cancers may need another class of pain medication. Your vet should do a complete blood count (CBC) when starting a course of Metacam, and at least once every six months while on the drug, primarily to monitor kidney and liver function.
When Metacam is given daily for chronic pain, giving it with a meal, or right after a meal, helps prevent nausea.
Metacam should never be given in conjunction with aspirin, phenobarbitol or any drugs containing steroids, such as prednisone.
Warning
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If your dog seems unusually thirsty, drinking and urinating frequently, after starting Metacam, take her to your veterinarian immediately. The most serious side effect leading to death is from kidney failure, and excessive thirst and urination is a common symptom. Until you can get your dog to the vet, do not restrict her access to water, because she needs this to keep her kidneys flushed.
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