Metacam® Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats

What Metacam Is and How It Works

Metacam® Solution for Injection is a veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to manage pain and inflammation in dogs and cats. This page explains how the injection works, who it may suit, and how US delivery from Canada supports access. You can compare options and see cash pricing even without insurance.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

The active ingredient is meloxicam, an NSAID that helps reduce prostaglandin production. It may provide relief for osteoarthritis flare-ups and perioperative pain. As a Meloxicam injectable solution, it is typically administered by a veterinarian to start therapy quickly. The treatment targets inflammatory pathways and may improve comfort and mobility when used as directed. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions and the official label.

For broader context on joint health, you can review Understanding Arthritis and general Pet Medications resources.

Who It’s For

This therapy is intended for veterinary use to relieve pain and inflammation in dogs and cats. It is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions and after soft-tissue or orthopedic procedures. Metacam injectable for dogs may be given as an initial dose, sometimes followed by an approved oral formulation if the prescriber recommends it.

Cats may receive a single dose around surgery as directed by a veterinarian. Animals with active gastrointestinal ulcers, significant dehydration, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs should generally avoid this class. Use caution in pets with kidney, heart, or liver concerns. Only a licensed veterinarian can assess suitability.

Dosage and Usage

Metacam injection is typically given by a veterinarian via subcutaneous administration. The specific dose, timing, and any follow-up plan depend on species, weight, and the condition being treated. Do not administer additional doses or combine therapies unless your prescriber instructs you to do so.

For dogs, clinicians may use an initial injection and, when appropriate, transition to an approved oral regimen. For cats, practice patterns often involve a single dose around the time of surgery. Never mix with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless a veterinarian directs it. Defer to the product label for exact instructions and warnings.

Strengths and Forms

Metacam 5 mg/mL injection is supplied in multi-dose vials. Presentation sizes may vary by market and wholesaler. Availability can differ based on inventory and prescribing patterns.

• Veterinary meloxicam solution for injection
• Multi-dose vial for clinic use
• Pack sizes and vial volumes may vary
• Brand and generic availability differ by region

Check the vial and package insert for the exact presentation supplied. Your veterinarian can confirm the most suitable format for your pet’s regimen.

Missed Dose and Timing

Because this product is administered by a veterinarian, missed doses are uncommon. If a scheduled visit was postponed, contact the clinic for guidance. Do not attempt to substitute oral products or repeat injections without professional advice. If your pet vomits, appears unwell, or shows unexpected signs around the time of treatment, seek veterinary input promptly.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials as directed on the label, typically at controlled room temperature and away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Do not use past the labeled expiry date. After first puncture, follow the in-use dating and aseptic handling guidance provided in the product insert.

If you plan to travel with your pet’s records or supplies, carry prescriptions and vet contact details. Use protective packaging to reduce breakage risks. Clinics transporting stock should maintain product integrity and follow local handling standards. For additional pet-care background, see our Pet Antibiotic Guide for general travel and documentation tips.

Benefits

This medicine is used to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. When given by a professional, initiation is straightforward, and monitoring can begin immediately. Metacam injection pet pain relief may support postoperative recovery and help with acute flares of osteoarthritis in appropriate cases.

• Veterinary-administered start for controlled care
• Targets inflammatory pathways to reduce discomfort
• Can complement ongoing multimodal pain plans
• Suitable for dogs or cats when prescribed

Optimal outcomes often involve weight management, joint-friendly activity, and ongoing veterinary evaluations. Your clinician will decide if this therapy fits your pet’s plan.

Side Effects and Safety

Like other NSAIDs, this class can cause gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic adverse effects. Injection site reactions, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy may occur. Rare but serious events can include GI ulceration or perforation, kidney-related complications, and hypersensitivity. Use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating animals only if a veterinarian determines the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Reference the product insert for full details applicable to Meloxicam 5 mg/mL injection labeling.

• Possible GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
• Changes in appetite or activity
• Local injection site reactions
• Potential kidney or liver effects
• Allergic reactions in sensitive animals

Stop therapy and contact a veterinarian if your pet shows black stools, persistent vomiting, marked lethargy, or reduced urination. Never combine NSAIDs unless directed by your prescriber.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Combining NSAIDs or corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Use caution with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, certain antimicrobials, or other medicines that may affect the kidneys or GI tract. Dehydration, underlying kidney disease, and preexisting GI ulcers increase risk. Baseline labs and follow-up checks may be advised for long courses or medically complex cases. Always inform your veterinarian about all medicines, supplements, and diets your pet receives.

What to Expect Over Time

Clinicians often use this injection to establish pain control around procedures or during acute flare-ups. Improvement in comfort may be observed as inflammation is addressed. Some dogs transition to oral therapy for ongoing management, while many cats receive a single perioperative dose as directed. Your veterinarian will reassess response and tolerability and adjust the plan if needed. Keep scheduled check-ins and report any changes in appetite, hydration, or behavior promptly.

Compare With Alternatives

Other veterinary NSAID options may be considered based on species, indication, and clinical history. For dogs needing an alternative, some veterinarians use Rimadyl® Injectable. For feline postoperative pain, a prescriber may consider Onsior® Solution when appropriate. Selection depends on your pet’s profile and the clinician’s judgment.

For a broader perspective on anti-inflammatory options and safe use, explore Anti Inflammatory Medication and feline-focused information in Cat Medicine.

Pricing and Access

Our referral model connects you with licensed Canadian pharmacies for transparent pricing. You can review available vial sizes, compare options, and see how Canadian pricing may lower out-of-pocket costs. Orders include clinician verification when required and offer reliable US delivery from Canada. If you are looking for seasonal offers, see Promotions. Secure payments use encrypted checkout.

Speak with your veterinarian about quantity and refill timing before placing an order. Pricing can vary by supplier lot, vial size, and availability. We do not display dollar amounts here; add items to your cart to see current totals before confirming.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can fluctuate across wholesalers. If Metacam Solution for Injection is unavailable, a veterinarian may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative from the same class or a different analgesic category. We cannot promise restock dates. Your prescriber’s guidance should determine whether to wait, switch, or adjust the plan.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Metacam injectable for cats may be used perioperatively, often as a single dose per label direction. Animals with a history of NSAID intolerance, active GI bleeding, or severe renal disease may not be candidates. Pets on anticoagulants, steroids, or diuretics warrant additional caution and monitoring. Keep water available at all times and report appetite or behavior changes.

To help manage costs, discuss multi-vial options if your veterinarian anticipates ongoing clinic use. Schedule refills ahead of time to avoid gaps in care. Maintain a medication log with treatment dates, lot numbers, and any observed effects. Store supplies properly so you don’t lose value due to handling errors.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Indication and goals: what condition is being treated?
• Dose plan: single injection only or plan for oral follow-up?
• Risk assessment: kidney, liver, or GI risk factors to consider?
• Monitoring: what signs should prompt a clinic call?
• Interactions: which medicines or supplements should be stopped?
• Alternatives: which other NSAIDs or classes fit my pet?
• Rechecks: when should reassessment or labs be scheduled?

Authoritative Sources

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal HealthFDA Animal DrugsHealth Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed with CanadianInsulin? Place your request with prompt, express shipping and US delivery from Canada, with temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice; always follow your prescriber’s guidance.