Metacam is a brand name for the drug meloxicam, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever in dogs and cats. It is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats, as well as for pain associated with surgery. In cats, it is approved for use as a one-time injection given before surgery to control pain and inflammation after procedures such as spays, neuters, and orthopedic surgeries. However, it is important to note that the use of meloxicam in cats should be approached with caution, as it can cause kidney damage, especially in cats with early undiagnosed kidney disease. Therefore, veterinarians carefully weigh the pros and cons of medicating cats with meloxicam and may order blood work and urinalysis to check the cat’s kidney function before prescribing the drug.
It is also worth mentioning that the use of meloxicam in cats beyond its approved one-time use for post-surgical pain relief is considered an extra-label use, and it is legally allowed under certain circumstances. However, repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death, which has led to the inclusion of a boxed warning on meloxicam labels regarding safety risks in cats.
In summary, Metacam, or meloxicam, is used in cats to alleviate inflammation and pain following surgery or associated with acute, mild to moderate musculoskeletal disorders. However, its use in cats should be approached with caution due to the potential for kidney damage, and it should only be administered under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian.
