Metacam (Meloxicam) Use in Cats can be Dangerous

[Perseus]

There has been a lot of controversy regarding the use of Metacam (Meloxicam) as a pain reliever in cats after surgery.  As far as I know, it’s been approved as a single injection in cats, but not approved as an oral suspension in cats.  Many people have reported serious side affects as well as death in cats given the oral suspension of Metacam.  Here are some FDA websites on Metacam injections in dogs and cats:

http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/Metacam041905.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141219pi.pdf

Here’s another warning on the use of Metacam in cats:

http://www.persiancats.org/nss-folder/filefolder/MetacamRisksInCats.pdf

Since Prometheus just had his neutering done, I questioned my vet prior to his surgery as to whether they use Metacam or not.  The vet did state they use it as a single injection after surgery, but not for neutering surgeries.  He also stated they only use it as a single injection and not as an oral suspension after surgery.

If you’re having surgery done on your kitties, please review the Metacam info with your vet prior to make sure its use is only as an initial injection after surgery, and it should NOT be used as an oral suspension afterwards.

[Perseus]

This site has been created to educate the public on the dangers of Metacam and it's usage in cats.  It also outlines how to deal with the adverse reactions to Metacam.  It contains extensive information, case studies and reference links:

http://www.metacamkills.com/

[Perseus]

There are alternatives to using Metacam that can be considered for kitties that need pain relief for various reasons including after surgery.

Buprenorphine is very effective for pain relief outside of surgery as well as right after surgery:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/buprenorphine.html

Fentanyl Patches are also very effective and only need to be administered every four days or so for ongoing pain:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=534&S=2