Metacam® for Dogs and Cats

What Metacam® Is and How It Works

Metacam® is meloxicam, a veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug formulated to relieve pain and inflammation in dogs and, in select markets, cats. It supports more comfortable movement in pets with osteoarthritis or after soft tissue and orthopedic procedures. With US delivery from Canada, access to Canadian pricing can help families paying without insurance.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

Metacam acts by preferentially inhibiting COX-2 enzymes, lowering inflammatory prostaglandins while sparing many protective COX-1 functions in the stomach and kidneys. In practice, that means reduced joint swelling, less pain signaling, and improved mobility. It is available as an oral liquid widely used for canine osteoarthritis and as a sterile injectable solution for perioperative pain in dogs and cats. For product-specific details, explore Metacam Oral Suspension For Dogs, Metacam Oral Suspension For Cats, and Metacam Solution For Injection. For condition background, see Understanding Arthritis.

Who Metacam® Is For

Veterinarians use Metacam to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The injectable form is used in dogs and cats for perioperative analgesia, with cats typically receiving a single dose. In some regions, a feline-specific oral suspension exists and is used under veterinary direction. Labeling and permitted uses can differ by country, so directions from the prescribing veterinarian and the package insert should guide use.

Metacam may be unsuitable for pets with active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, significant kidney or liver disease, dehydration, bleeding disorders, or known NSAID hypersensitivity. Use is not recommended in animals that are pregnant, breeding, or lactating unless a veterinarian determines the benefits outweigh risks. Caution is advised in very young, geriatric, or underweight animals.

For a broader selection of veterinary therapies, browse Pet Medications.

Dosage and Usage

General principles for NSAIDs apply: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with an adequate clinical response. Doses are weight based and must follow the specific product label.

Using the oral suspension

For dogs with osteoarthritis, veterinarians commonly start with a single loading dose on day one followed by a lower once-daily maintenance dose. The bottle should be gently shaken, and the supplied dosing syringe or dropper used to measure by weight. Dosing with food is typical, and consistent daily timing helps monitoring. Fresh water availability and regular assessment of comfort, appetite, and stool quality are important during therapy.

In some markets, an oral suspension for cats is available and is used strictly under veterinary guidance. Where labeling does not authorize repeated oral dosing in cats, prescribers rely on the injectable form instead.

Using the injection around surgery

The injectable solution is administered by a veterinary professional, often as a single preoperative dose for cats or as directed for dogs. Postoperative monitoring focuses on comfort, appetite, and hydration.

Do not combine Metacam with another NSAID or a corticosteroid unless a veterinarian directs a specific transition protocol. Avoid unapproved dose changes or extra doses.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by market and clinic preference:

• Oral suspension 1.5 mg/mL for dogs, in multiple bottle sizes
• Oral suspension 0.5 mg/mL for small animals or cats where marketed
• Injectable solution 5 mg/mL, multi-dose vial

Product strengths may differ by region; follow the label included with the dispensed product.

Missed Dose and Timing

If an oral dose is missed, give it when remembered unless the next dose is approaching. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up. If multiple doses are missed or timing becomes irregular, the prescriber may reassess the dosing plan. For clinic-administered injections, timing is determined by the veterinarian.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store Metacam at controlled room temperature in the original, child-resistant container, tightly closed, and away from moisture and light. Do not freeze the oral suspension. Keep out of reach of children and other animals.

For trips, pack your bottle and dosing syringe in your carry-on. Keep the medicine upright and protected from spills. Bring the dispensing label and any written directions. For longer travel, set reminders on your phone to maintain the once-daily rhythm for dogs on ongoing therapy. Dispose of any expired or unused liquid according to local guidance; pharmacies or clinics can advise on safe disposal.

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Benefits

• Controls osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in dogs to support daily activity
• Provides perioperative analgesia in dogs and cats when used as labeled
• Once-daily oral dosing for most dogs simplifies home administration
• COX-2 preferential inhibition designed to limit gastrointestinal and renal impact compared with some older NSAIDs
• Liquid dosage form supports precise, weight-based dosing

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects in dogs include vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea, reduced appetite, and lethargy. Injection-site reactions can occur after injectable use. These effects are often mild and transient but warrant monitoring.

Serious adverse events are uncommon but possible, including gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, kidney injury, and liver enzyme elevations. Signs that require urgent veterinary attention include black or bloody stools, persistent vomiting, marked lethargy, jaundice, changes in urination, facial swelling, or collapse. Risk may increase with dehydration, preexisting organ disease, or concurrent use of other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

Use in cats follows strict labeling and veterinarian direction, particularly regarding single-dose use of the injection in many regions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Do not give with another NSAID or a corticosteroid unless a veterinarian directs a washout or transition
• Caution with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or nephrotoxic medicines due to kidney perfusion effects
• Monitor closely with anticoagulants or drugs affecting hemostasis
• Use cautiously with hepatically metabolized medicines; periodic lab monitoring may be advised
• Inform the prescriber about supplements such as omega-3 oils or herbal anti-inflammatories before combining

What to Expect Over Time

For osteoarthritis in dogs, comfort and mobility often improve gradually as inflammation settles and activity becomes easier. Caregivers may notice better willingness to rise, walk, or climb stairs. Some dogs need ongoing daily therapy with periodic rechecks to confirm continued benefit and tolerance. For surgical pain, the injectable dose supports recovery alongside multimodal pain management determined by the clinic. Responses vary, and the plan may evolve with disease progression, weight changes, or lifestyle.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinary NSAID options include carprofen and deracoxib for dogs, and robenacoxib for cats. Depending on species, diagnosis, and concurrent conditions, a prescriber may recommend an alternative such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx. For cats, per-label options may include Onsior Cat. For educational reading on one alternative, see Deramaxx For Dogs.

Pricing and Access

Check current availability and pricing on this page. Many customers value Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada for predictable costs on chronic therapies. Orders are processed with a confirmed prescription, and dispensing occurs through licensed Canadian pharmacies. For extra value, see periodic offers on our promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock may vary by form and strength. If a specific presentation is not available, a prescriber may suggest an appropriate therapeutic alternative or a different strength to match the dosing plan.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

• Good candidates include dogs with clinical osteoarthritis diagnosed by a veterinarian and pets needing short-term postoperative pain control
• Use with caution in patients with kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease, or in very young, geriatric, or dehydrated animals
• Consider multi-bottle orders for stable, long-term plans to reduce shipping cost per dose
• Measure carefully with the supplied syringe to avoid waste, and keep a dosing log for accurate refills
• Discuss periodic bloodwork schedules in advance so refills align with recheck timing

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is Metacam the right NSAID for this pet, or should an alternative be considered?
• What starting dose and maintenance dose are recommended for the current weight?
• How should appetite, stool quality, and comfort be tracked at home?
• Which medicines, supplements, or foods should be paused or avoided while on therapy?
• What lab monitoring schedule fits this pet’s health status and treatment length?
• How long should treatment continue before reassessing benefit and tolerance?

Authoritative Sources

• Metacam Official Site
• FDA CVM
• Canada Vet Drugs

Ready to request Metacam from CanadianInsulin with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping? Start your order when the prescription is ready and keep your pet’s dosing supplies together for easier travel and storage.

Disclaimer: This overview is for general information and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always follow the prescribing veterinarian’s instructions and the product label.