Metacam Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Calculate precise canine Metacam (meloxicam) Day 1 loading and daily maintenance dosages in mg and oral liquid suspension (mL).

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Input Parameters

Enter weight and treatment phase.

Daily Maintenance Dose (Day 2+)

1.5 mg / day
Liquid Maintenance Volume: 1.00 mL
Day 1 Initial Loading Dose: 2.00 mL (3.0 mg)
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Administer With Food

Always mix Metacam with dog food or drop onto meals. Stop medication and call your vet if vomiting or dark black stools occur.

Canine Metacam Weight-Based Dosing Chart (1.5 mg/mL)

Dog Weight (lbs / kg) Day 1 Loading Dose (mg) Day 1 Liquid Volume (mL) Maintenance Volume (mL / day)
11 lbs (5.0 kg) 1.0 mg 0.67 mL 0.33 mL
22 lbs (10.0 kg) 2.0 mg 1.33 mL 0.67 mL
33 lbs (15.0 kg) 3.0 mg 2.00 mL 1.00 mL
44 lbs (20.0 kg) 4.0 mg 2.67 mL 1.33 mL
66 lbs (30.0 kg) 6.0 mg 4.00 mL 2.00 mL

Calculation Methodology & Biological Principles

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NSAID Dosing Equations

Day 1 Load (mg) = Weight (kg) × 0.2 mg/kg Daily Maintenance (mg) = Weight (kg) × 0.1 mg/kg Liquid Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Meloxicam selectively inhibits COX-2 enzymes, suppressing inflammatory prostaglandin production while preserving COX-1 mediated renal blood flow.

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Veterinary Disclaimer

Pre-treatment blood chemistry screening (BUN, creatinine, ALT) is strongly advised before starting long-term Metacam therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Metacam (meloxicam) used for in dogs?

Metacam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed by veterinarians to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis and soft tissue/orthopedic surgery.

What is the standard oral dosage of Metacam for dogs?

Treatment begins with a single loading dose of 0.2 mg per kg of body weight (approx 0.09 mg/lb) on Day 1, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg per kg (approx 0.045 mg/lb) administered once daily.

How is Metacam liquid suspension measured?

Canine Metacam oral suspension comes with a specialized dosing syringe calibrated in dog weight (pounds or kg). Fill the syringe to your dog's exact body weight mark for accurate maintenance dosing.

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