Metacam is a veterinary pain and anti-inflammatory medication used most commonly in dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and cattle. Its active ingredient, meloxicam, belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that work by blocking an enzyme involved in producing prostaglandins, the chemicals your pet’s body releases in response to injury or disease that cause pain, swelling, and fever. Metacam is one of the most widely prescribed veterinary pain medications, but the rules for how it’s used vary significantly between species.
How Metacam Works
Meloxicam preferentially targets the COX-2 enzyme, which is the version of cyclooxygenase most active at sites of inflammation. By reducing COX-2 activity, Metacam lowers the production of prostaglandins where they’re driving pain and swelling, while having less impact on the COX-1 enzyme that helps protect the stomach lining and supports normal kidney function. This selectivity is what makes meloxicam generally better tolerated than older NSAIDs, though gastrointestinal and kidney side effects are still possible.
Uses in Dogs
Dogs are the primary species Metacam is prescribed for, and osteoarthritis is the most common reason. Aging dogs with joint stiffness, limping, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs often see noticeable improvement in mobility and comfort on daily Metacam. The oral suspension is FDA-approved for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
Metacam also comes as an injectable solution that veterinarians use to manage pain and inflammation from surgery or acute injuries. The injectable form provides fast relief, and dogs are typically transitioned to the oral liquid for ongoing treatment at home.
For dogs, treatment starts with a higher first-day dose of 0.2 mg/kg, then drops to a daily maintenance dose of 0.1 mg/kg from day two onward. The oral suspension comes with a calibrated syringe that fits onto the bottle and is marked by body weight in pounds, making daily dosing straightforward. For dogs under 10 pounds, the liquid should be measured onto food rather than squirted directly into the mouth, to avoid accidentally giving too much to a small dog. Dogs over 10 pounds can take it mixed with food or directly by mouth.
Uses in Cats
In cats, Metacam’s approved use is much more limited. The FDA has approved the injectable form only as a single, one-time dose given before surgery to control postoperative pain and inflammation from orthopedic procedures, spays, and neuters. Your vet administers it as an injection before the operation, and your cat benefits from pain control during the recovery window.
The critical difference from dogs is that repeated doses of meloxicam in cats have been linked to acute kidney failure and death. The FDA requires a boxed warning (the most serious type of drug safety warning) on meloxicam labels stating this risk. No additional injectable or oral meloxicam should be given to cats after that single dose. This restriction applies in the United States; regulations differ in some other countries where low-dose oral meloxicam is used longer-term in cats under close veterinary monitoring. If your cat has been prescribed Metacam, ask your vet specifically about the dosing plan and duration.
Uses in Horses and Livestock
Metacam has a separate injectable formulation designed for larger animals. In horses, it’s used to relieve pain and inflammation from both acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems, such as joint injuries, tendon strains, and degenerative conditions. It’s also used for pain relief in equine colic, a potentially life-threatening abdominal condition.
In pigs, Metacam treats lameness and inflammation from non-infectious joint and movement disorders. It also serves as part of the treatment for mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome, a serious condition in sows after farrowing that involves udder infection, uterine inflammation, and loss of milk production. In that case, Metacam works alongside antibiotic therapy to control the inflammatory component. Cattle receive the injectable formulation for similar inflammatory and pain conditions.
Side Effects to Watch For
The most common side effects across species are gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. You might also notice your pet seeming unusually tired or withdrawn. These effects are typically mild and often resolve on their own, but they can become serious if the drug isn’t used according to label directions. The more concerning risks include stomach ulcers, perforations in the GI tract, and kidney or liver damage.
Certain animals face higher risk. Pets that are dehydrated, have existing kidney, liver, or heart disease, are on diuretic medications, or have recently been treated with corticosteroids (such as prednisone) are more vulnerable to side effects. NSAIDs and corticosteroids should not be used at the same time, and a washout period between them is important. Your vet will typically recommend blood work before starting Metacam and periodically during long-term use to check kidney and liver function.
Signs that warrant immediate veterinary attention include dark or tarry stools, blood in vomit, a sudden drop in appetite that lasts more than a day, yellowing of the gums or eyes, or a noticeable increase or decrease in water intake and urination. These can signal GI bleeding, liver problems, or kidney trouble.
Practical Tips for Giving Metacam at Home
The oral suspension needs to be shaken well before each use. The dosing syringe that comes in the package is calibrated specifically for Metacam’s concentration, so don’t substitute a different syringe from another medication. When using the syringe, round your dog’s weight down to the nearest whole pound rather than up. For very small dogs under 2 pounds, the syringe can’t measure accurately enough, so a dropper method is used instead: two drops per pound of body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration, placed directly on food.
Always replace and tighten the cap after each use. If your dog is a picky eater, mixing the suspension into a small amount of food your dog will definitely finish ensures the full dose gets consumed. Giving it at the same time each day helps maintain steady levels in the body and makes it easier to remember.