Learn how Metacam (meloxicam) helps manage pain in cats post-surgery or due to injuries & conditions like arthritis. Administered as a single-use injection, it reduces swelling and pain by blocking prostaglandin production. Understand its dosage, administration, potential side effects, and safety precautions.
Just like us, cats can experience pain from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions like arthritis. Since cats are naturally agile and tend to hide their discomfort, it's essential to monitor them closely for any clinical signs of pain, changes in behavior, or activity levels. To help alleviate short-term and chronic pain in cats, veterinarians often prescribe Metacam, an effective single-dose pain reliever belonging to the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) family.
After any injury, the damaged area releases chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals cause swelling and increase pain signals from nerves near the injury. Meloxicam works by blocking the production of these chemicals, which helps to decrease both swelling and pain. In this blog, we will explore the benefits, potential side effects, and proper administration of Metacam to help you ensure your cat's well-being.
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What is Metacam and its role?
Metacam, also known as meloxicam, is an FDA-approved NSAID from Boehringer Ingelheim used to manage pain and inflammation. Metacam is approved for use in cats as a one-time injection given before surgical procedures like spaying, neutering, and certain orthopedic surgeries. As an effective analgesic, this formulation helps to control pain and reduce inflammation after these surgeries. It is also used in the treatment of arthritis in cats. Metacam injections are not approved for repeated or long-term use in cats. Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Although there are oral forms of meloxicam, such as oral liquid or suspension and transmucosal spray, these are only approved for use in dogs, not cats.
Is Meloxicam a strong painkiller?
Meloxicam is known as an effective painkiller specifically designed to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by arthritis in cats. Meloxicam is considered more effective compared to alternatives like Ibuprofen, Celebrex, or Naproxe. It also offers better tolerability than Diclofenac, making it a preferred choice for managing osteoarthritis-related discomfort in cats.
Metacam for Cats Warnings
When using Metacam for cats, it is important to be aware of the following warnings to ensure safe & effective pain management for your pet:
- Metacam is for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in cats. Do not use it intravenously (into a vein).
- Do not administer a second dose of meloxicam.
- Avoid using any other NSAID or corticosteroids following the single, one-time dose of meloxicam.
- Do not administer Meloxicam oral suspension following the single, one-time injectable dose of meloxicam.
- Metacam is not for human use. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion by humans, consult a physician immediately.
All meloxicam products now carry a boxed warning on their labels. Brand name products include METACAM Solution for Injection, METACAM Oral Suspension, and OroCAM Transmucosal Spray. Generic versions are available as Meloxicam Injection, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, Mobic, Vivlodex, and Meloxicam Solution for Injection.
Metacam for Cats Dosage
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To ensure you administer the correct dosage of Metacam to your cat, follow these simple steps:
- Shake the Metacam bottle well to mix the contents thoroughly. Then, remove the cap.
- Firmly attach the syringe to the bottle to prevent any spillage. Make sure the syringe dosing scale is facing you for easy reading.
- Hold the bottle upside down with one hand and the syringe with the other. Slowly and gently draw the Metacam into the syringe until you reach the correct dose based on your cat's body weight.
- Carefully detach the syringe from the bottle. Metacam is now ready to be administered to your cat.
- Ensure you store Metacam at room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C), away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Metacam for Cats: Dosage Chart by Weight
Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous (under the skin) dose of Metacam Injection at 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) of your cat's body weight. To ensure precise dosing, use a 1 mL graduated syringe. You can also check out the Metacam for Cats: Dosage Chart by Weight for accurate dosing information based on your cat's body weight.
How long does Metacam last in cats?
Metacam starts to show pain-relieving effects within a few hours after the first dose, but the full effect is usually seen around 24 hours later. Typically, the effects last between 24 and 48 hours, which is why it is often administered daily.
The half-life of Metacam is 24 hours, meaning that half of the medication is eliminated from your cat's body within a day. After 48 hours, only a quarter remains. It generally takes over six days for Metacam to be completely cleared from a cat's system.
Metacam for Cats: Missed Dosage
If you forget to give your cat a dose of Metacam, do not double up on the next dose or give more than prescribed. Simply administer the usual dose at the next scheduled time, even if it means skipping a daily dose. This approach helps maintain the correct dosing schedule and ensures your cat's safety.
Metacam for Cats Side Effects
Meloxicam, when used at recommended dosages for cats, is generally considered safe with side effects occurring in less than 1 out of 10,000 treated animals. But no veterinary medicine is 100% safe! Potential adverse effects of meloxicam may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fecal occult bleeding (detected through stool samples)
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Gastrointestinal issues like ulceration
- Allergic reactions
- Yellowing of gums or eyes
- Increased thirst
- Seizures
- Changes in urine frequency
- Liver problems
- Decreased renal function or kidney disease
Metacam for Cats Contraindications
- Cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive Metacam.
- Avoid additional doses of meloxicam or other NSAIDs in cats, as no safe dosage for repeated administration has been established.
- Do not use meloxicam in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction.
- The safe use of Metacam in cats younger than 4 months of age, breeding cats, or pregnant or lactating queens has not been evaluated.
- Meloxicam is not recommended for use in cats with bleeding disorders, as safety has not been established in these cases.
- Cats at higher risk for adverse events include those who are dehydrated.
Alternatives to Metacam for Cats
Cats may require different forms of pain relief depending on their specific needs and health conditions. Given below are some alternatives to Metacam for managing pain in cats:
- NSAIDs: Onsior (robenacoxib)
- Opioids: codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, tramadol, and buprenorphine.
- Corticosteroids: Dexamethasone and prednisolone.
- Gabapentin
- Carprofen
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physical therapy, and dietary supplements.
- Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Although veterinarians can prescribe meloxicam for off-label use in cats under certain conditions, the Food and Drug Administration has noted serious adverse events such as sudden kidney failure and death in cats receiving repeated doses. So they mandated manufacturers of all meloxicam products to include a boxed warning regarding these safety risks associated with off-label use in cats.
If you have any concerns about your cat's pain management or the use of Metacam, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. For more information on how to best care for your pet's health, consult Dr.Tail today!