Initial treatment is a single dose of 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight on the first day, which can be given orally or alternatively using Metacam 5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats.
Treatment is to be continued once daily by oral administration (at 24-hour intervals) at a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg meloxicam/kg body weight.
Each chewable tablet contains either 1 mg or 2.5 mg meloxicam, which corresponds to the daily maintenance dose for a 10 kg body weight dog, or a 25 kg body weight dog respectively.
Each chewable tablet can be halved for accurate dosing according to the individual body weight of the dog. Metacam chewable tablets can be administered with or without food, are flavoured and are taken by most dogs voluntarily.
Dose scheme for the maintenance dose:
Body weight (kg) | Number of Chewable Tablets | mg/kg |
| 1 mg | 2.5 mg | |
4.0 - 7.0 | ½ | | 0.13 - 0.1 |
7.1 - 10.0 | 1 | | 0.14 - 0.1 |
10.1 - 15.0 | 1½ | | 0.15 - 0.1 |
15.1 - 20.0 | 2 | | 0.13 - 0.1 |
20.1 - 25.0 | | 1 | 0.12 - 0.1 |
25.1 - 35.0 | | 1½ | 0.15 - 0.1 |
35.1 - 50.0 | | 2 | 0.14 - 0.1 |
The use of Metacam oral suspension for dogs may be considered for an even more precise dosing. For dogs weighing less than 4 kg the use of Metacam oral suspension for dogs is recommended.
A clinical response is usually seen within 3-4 days. Treatment should be discontinued after 10 days at the latest if no clinical improvement is apparent.