Metacam® Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats

Metacam® Solution for Injection is a veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to control pain and inflammation in dogs, and as a single-dose postoperative analgesic in cats. Through CanadianInsulin, this prescription medication ships with US delivery from Canada and prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping. Transparent, clinic-verified access can help households paying without insurance.

What Metacam® Is and How It Works

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

Metacam® contains meloxicam, an NSAID that helps reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, with relative COX‑2 preference. By moderating the inflammatory cascade, it can lessen swelling, stiffness, and pain associated with osteoarthritis and soft‑tissue or orthopedic surgery. Many veterinarians initiate pain control with an injectable dose in clinic, then consider ongoing management strategies tailored to the animal’s condition.

For background on joint disease in companion animals, see our article on arthritis in dogs and cats. Broader options for companion animals are listed under Pet Medications.

Who Metacam® Is For

This product is used in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for perioperative analgesia. In cats, labeling in many regions supports a single subcutaneous dose for postoperative pain control. Use is based on a veterinarian’s assessment of the animal’s medical history and current status.

Meloxicam should be avoided or used with caution in animals with gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding disorders, dehydration, renal, hepatic, or cardiac disease, and in those receiving other medications that may increase risk. It is not recommended for animals with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, and is generally avoided in very young, pregnant, or lactating animals unless a veterinarian determines the benefits outweigh risks.

Dosage and Usage

Administration is typically performed by a veterinarian as a subcutaneous injection. In dogs, the injectable dose is commonly used to start therapy, with potential transition to an oral liquid when appropriate. When ongoing oral therapy is considered, see Metacam oral suspension for dogs and Metacam oral suspension for cats. In cats, many labels specify a single dose for postoperative use only; repeat dosing is generally not recommended. Dose selection, timing, and any follow‑up course are determined by the veterinarian.

General administration notes often include using aseptic technique, monitoring the animal for comfort and adverse effects after dosing, and avoiding concurrent administration with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. If questions arise about dosing plans, veterinarians should be consulted for individualized guidance.

Strengths and Forms

Metacam® Solution for Injection is commonly supplied as a meloxicam 5 mg/mL veterinary solution in multi‑dose vials for small animals. Package sizes and availability may vary by pharmacy and region.

Missed Dose and Timing

Injectable doses are typically administered in clinic. If a planned in‑clinic dose is delayed or missed, veterinary teams generally determine whether rescheduling is appropriate based on the surgical plan and the animal’s status. Do not double up doses without veterinary direction.

Storage and Travel Basics

If a multi‑dose vial is dispensed for home use, store your order at controlled room temperature as directed on the label, protected from excessive heat and freezing, and keep it in the original carton to limit light exposure. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Once punctured, multi‑dose vials have in‑use dating; follow the label and pharmacy guidance for any beyond‑use period and sterility precautions.

For travel, carry your labeled vial and receipt in hand luggage when possible. Pack your vial upright in a leak‑resistant bag, and avoid leaving it in parked vehicles or direct sun. Temperature‑sensitive items ship with cold‑chain handling and insulated packaging.

Benefits

• Controls postoperative pain and inflammation when used as directed.
• Helps reduce joint swelling and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
• Injectable onset allows rapid initiation of analgesia in clinical settings.
• Veterinarians can tailor ongoing care plans, including transition to oral formulations when appropriate.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, or injection‑site reactions.
• Less common: increased thirst or urination, behavior changes, or skin reactions.

Serious risks, while infrequent, can include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, kidney injury, or liver effects. Animals with underlying renal, hepatic, cardiac, or gastrointestinal disease may face greater risk. Discontinue NSAIDs and seek veterinary evaluation if signs such as persistent vomiting, black/tarry stools, marked lethargy, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual bleeding are observed. Cats are particularly sensitive to NSAIDs; many labels restrict use to a single dose.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Concomitant use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal and renal adverse effects and is generally avoided. Caution may be warranted with anticoagulants, certain antibiotics, and drugs affecting renal perfusion or blood pressure. Diuretics and ACE inhibitors may require added vigilance; for example, see Furosemide injection for a commonly used diuretic in veterinary practice. Laboratory monitoring and hydration status are often considered when NSAIDs are used alongside these therapies. Always provide the full medication list to the veterinary team.

What to Expect Over Time

The onset of analgesia after injection is typically observed within a short period, with duration aligned to the product’s label and the animal’s response. For chronic conditions such as canine osteoarthritis, a veterinarian may combine NSAIDs with weight management, controlled exercise, joint‑friendly home adjustments, and, when appropriate, adjunctive medications or nutraceuticals. Periodic rechecks help assess pain control and overall safety.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may consider other approved NSAIDs depending on species, age, comorbidities, and surgical plans. Options include deracoxib (see Deramaxx) for dogs, carprofen formulations, and robenacoxib for cats (see Onsior Cat). To learn more about species‑specific use, read our overview on Onsior cat medicine.

Pricing and Access

Order with confidence and benefit from Canadian pricing through a licensed cross‑border pharmacy network. US delivery from Canada is supported by prescription verification and careful dispensing standards. For buyers comparing clinic cash prices, many find meaningful savings by sourcing through a verified service. Check occasional offers at promotions. Shipping is handled with attention to product integrity using prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary. If a specific vial size or presentation is not in stock, a prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative NSAID or a different format of meloxicam, such as an oral suspension. Species‑specific options also exist, including formulations designed for feline postoperative pain.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Suitability depends on diagnosis, species, age, organ function, concurrent medications, and surgical or orthopedic plans. Animals with a history of NSAID sensitivity or active gastrointestinal disease may not be candidates. When long‑term management is needed for canine osteoarthritis, veterinarians may evaluate the lowest effective dose strategy with periodic rechecks.

• Discuss whether a clinic‑administered injection followed by an oral liquid is appropriate for the treatment plan; see Metacam oral suspension for dogs or Metacam oral suspension for cats.
• Consider ordering needed pet therapies together to reduce per‑shipment costs when permitted.
• Set refill reminders for chronic care items to avoid treatment interruptions.
• For species‑specific NSAID education, review our article on Deramaxx for dogs.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is Metacam injection appropriate for the animal’s diagnosis and medical history?
• What monitoring (renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal) is recommended before and during NSAID therapy?
• Could an oral transition be considered after the injectable dose, and for how long?
• How should potential adverse effects be recognized and addressed promptly?
• Are there any drug interactions with current medications or supplements?
• What non‑drug strategies could support joint comfort alongside NSAID therapy?

Authoritative Sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: NSAIDs overview
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine: Pain relievers for animals
• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Request Metacam® Solution for Injection through CanadianInsulin with confidence. Orders include prescription verification and careful handling with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized advice from a licensed veterinarian. Always follow the prescribing veterinarian’s instructions and the product label.