Metacam Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Metacam contains meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that veterinarians may prescribe to dogs for osteoarthritis pain, inflammation, or short-term postoperative discomfort. Correct dosing matters because too little may not control pain and too much can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, liver problems, or other serious effects. This calculator reproduces the source page's basic prescription arithmetic. It cannot diagnose a condition, identify contraindications, or replace a veterinarian's examination and instructions. The calculation has two steps. First, the dog's weight in kilograms is multiplied by the selected dose rate. The initial-dose option uses 0.2 mg per kilogram, while the maintenance option uses 0.1 mg per kilogram. Second, the resulting milligrams are divided by the entered product concentration in milligrams per milliliter to estimate a liquid volume. For a 20 kg dog receiving an initial estimate, the amount is 4 mg. With a 1.5 mg/mL suspension, 4 divided by 1.5 gives approximately 2.667 mL. For a 5 kg dog at the maintenance rate with 0.5 mg/mL liquid, the result is 0.5 mg or 1 mL. Metacam products are sold in different concentrations and dosage forms. Never assume the concentration from the package color, a previous prescription, or an online example. Read the exact strength on the dispensed label and use the calibrated syringe or dosing device supplied for that product. The volume result is meaningful only for a liquid concentration expressed in mg/mL. A tablet choice still displays the mathematical liquid equivalent, but tablet strengths and whether tablets may be divided require veterinary direction. Dogs with dehydration, kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or certain concurrent medicines may not be appropriate candidates. Do not combine meloxicam with another NSAID, aspirin, or a corticosteroid unless the veterinarian explicitly directs it. Stop and contact the clinic if the dog develops vomiting, diarrhea, black stool, appetite loss, unusual thirst, changes in urination, lethargy, or jaundice. If an instruction, package label, or measured syringe conflicts with this calculator, pause and ask the prescribing veterinarian. Safe treatment depends on clinical judgment, monitoring, and the exact prescribed schedule, not arithmetic alone.