In veterinary medicine, meloxicam for dogs is a widely used drug, so it is important for caregivers to be clear about what for and how it is administered, in order to avoid undesirable effects resulting from improper use. We'll also mention side effects.
In this article on our site we will give all the keys to knowing this medicine. As always when we talk about drugs, the first thing we should know is that only the vet can prescribe them and that we never have to medicate an animal on our own.
What is meloxicam for dogs used for?
Meloxicam is an active principle with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Specifically, it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID Therefore, it is used when the animal presents moderate or even severe pain if there is musculoskeletal involvement.
It is most commonly administered in short treatments For example, it is usually prescribed for 2-3 days after sterilization surgery for prevent the recently operated animal from feeling discomfort and, for the same reason, in the preoperative period. It is also commonly prescribed after trauma operations or as an analgesic for dogs with arthritis. Therefore, it is a more chosen medicine for situations of acute course and for treatments lasting a few days, although, of course, it will remain at the discretion of the physician
Dosage and presentations of meloxicam for dogs
For sale we can find different presentation formats of meloxicam for dogs. The veterinarian, depending on each case, will choose the most appropriate form of administration of the drug. We can find the thick liquid product that can be given to the animal directly in the mouth or put on top of the food. There are also tablets of meloxicam for dogs, with a composition that makes them palatable, which makes them eat them voluntarily, without having to force them.
In general, as we can see, meloxicam can be administered at home without any problem. The veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate dose for each dog, as well as the days of treatment. It is administered in a single dose every 24 hours In some cases it may be the veterinarian who administers injectable meloxicam for dogs.
Dose of meloxicam for dogs
Meloxicam is administered at a rate of 0.2 mg per kg of body weight on the first day and halfway through, i.e. 0.1 mg per kg, the rest of days that the treatment lasts. It is important that we always keep this dose reduction in mind. If we use the liquid format, this usually includes a dispenser that facilitates administration as it is a syringe that we can load depending on the weight of the dog. In addition, in this case, the veterinarian can give us the administration guideline in drops, which may be easier for caregivers.
Price of meloxicam for dogs
The price of this product will depend on the format prescribed by the vet. If it is possible to administer tablets, it is common for this professional to charge us for each of them individually. We can give an approximate price of between 1-2 euros for each one If, instead, we have to opt for the liquid format, we will pay for the entire container. The smallest holds about 10 ml. Its price is around 16 euros
Regarding where to buy meloxicam for dogs, we must follow the veterinary recommendations, since in each country there will be legislation in force regarding the dispensing of medicines for animals. Usually, these can only be purchased at veterinary clinics or, as it is an active ingredient for human use, at pharmacies, but always with the corresponding recipe
Side effects of meloxicam in dogs
If we follow the administration protocol for meloxicam for dogs proposed by our veterinarian, it is normal that we do not notice any adverse effects. Even so, it is possible that in some animals it produces kidney damage, which can even reach acute or chronic kidney failure Precisely because of this damage to the kidneys it is not a recommended drug when the dog is already dehydrated or hypotensive.
Other symptoms of sensitivity to this drug include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. These complications usually occur at the start of treatment and, in most cases, subside when it is withdrawn, although, more rarely, they could be the cause of serious or fatal injuries, as we discussed in the case of the renal system. In addition, an inadequate dose can cause intoxication with mainly digestive symptoms.
We cannot use meloxicam in pregnant or lactating bitches or in puppies under 6 weeks of age or weighing less than 4 kg. In the case of animals suffering from a previous disease such as heart, kidney, liver or hemorrhagic disease, it is essential to consult the veterinarian before use.
If we suspect that the drug has harmed our dog, we must immediately notify our veterinarian. Above all, in cases of kidney involvement, it is essential that treatment be started as soon as possible. Even with early care, the prognosis is guarded.
Are metacam and meloxicam for dogs the same?
Metacam and meloxicam for dogs are the same Meloxicam is marketed by different drug companies, each under a different name. One of them is Metacam, but we can find the active principle meloxicam with other names that, as we have said, depend on the company that manufactures and markets it.
