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Meloxidyl (Meloxicam) Dose for Cattle & Pigs: Strengths & Dose Calculator

Meloxidyl 20 mg/mL is a meloxicam injection for cattle, pigs and horses from Ceva [1]. Cattle get a single 0.5 mg/kg SC or IV, pigs 0.4 mg/kg IM (repeatable after 24 h) and horses a single 0.6 mg/kg IV [1].

Contains
Meloxicam
Company
Ceva Animal Health
Forms
Meloxidyl 20 mg/mL injection
Label species
Cattle, Pigs, Horses
Data from
International
Type
NSAID / pain relief

Meloxidyl dose calculator

mg per mL
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Results are calculated in your browser from the doses and strengths on this page. Check the strength printed on your pack and the label in your country before giving any dose.

Meloxidyl strengths and presentations

PresentationContainsStrength check
Meloxidyl 20 mg/mL injection
SC / IV / IM
Meloxicam 20 mg per mL[1]Confirmed

Meloxidyl dose by species

SpeciesUseDoseRouteHow oftenBasis
CattleRespiratory infection, calf diarrhoea, acute mastitis, dehorning pain0.5 mg/kg
2.5 mL per 100 kg
[1]
SC or IVSingle injectionLabel
PigsLameness; MMA syndrome0.4 mg/kg
2 mL per 100 kg
[1]
IMSingle; a second dose after 24 h if neededLabel
HorsesMusculoskeletal pain; colic0.6 mg/kg
3 mL per 100 kg
[1]
IVSingle injectionLabel

Label directions

  • Cattle: 0.5 mg/kg (2.5 mL/100 kg) once SC or IV [1].
  • Pigs: 0.4 mg/kg (2 mL/100 kg) once IM; a second dose after 24 h if needed [1].
  • Horses: 0.6 mg/kg (3 mL/100 kg) once IV [1].
  • Dehorning: give 20 minutes before — Meloxidyl alone does not give enough pain relief during the procedure [1].

Warnings and precautions

  • Do not use in horses under 6 weeks old [1].
  • Do not use with impaired liver, heart or kidney function, bleeding disorders or gut ulcers [1].
  • Do not give with corticosteroids, other NSAIDs or anticoagulants [1].
  • Avoid in severely dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animals [1].

Withdrawal periods

SpeciesProductWithdrawalDetail
CattleMeat15 daysMeat and offal 15 days.[1]
CattleMilk5 daysMilk 5 days.[1]
PigsMeat5 daysMeat and offal 5 days.[1]
HorsesMeat5 daysMeat and offal 5 days.[1]

About meloxicam (the active ingredient)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, oxicam).

How it works

NSAIDs act mainly by reducing prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX); COX-2 inhibition is thought to give the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, while concurrent COX-1 inhibition may cause many adverse effects [2]. Reported COX-1:COX-2 ratios suggest meloxicam is COX-2 selective [2].

Key safety points

  • Vomiting is the most common adverse effect of NSAIDs; gastrointestinal ulceration is the most common life-threatening one [2].
  • Animals with underlying renal compromise may get worse on NSAIDs, and COX-2 selective drugs are not safer for the kidneys [2].
  • Boxed warning (US): repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death — do not give additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats [4].
  • Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive it (Metacam oral suspension label) [3].

All about meloxicam — doses by species and every brand →

Pack sizes

  • Glass vials of 50, 100 or 250 mL [1].

Frequently asked questions

What is the Meloxidyl dose for cattle?

A single 0.5 mg/kg (2.5 mL per 100 kg) SC or IV [1].

What is the Meloxidyl milk withdrawal?

5 days; meat 15 days for cattle [1].

Other brands of meloxicam

All veterinary products →

Meloxidyl is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent clinical reference and is not affiliated with Ceva Animal Health. Strengths, species and withdrawal periods can differ between countries — always follow the pack insert in your country.

Have a case in front of you?Ask WeVet — the AI assistant built for veterinarians. Differentials, treatment plans with calculated doses, drug info from trusted sources and SOAP notes.
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R
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.
Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

  1. Meloxidyl 20 mg/ml solution for injection — SPCCeva Animal Health — SPC (company document) · 2026 · Official company page
    Passage read from this source
    Meloxidyl 20 mg/ml solution for injection for cattle, pigs and horses.
    Single subcutaneous or intravenous injection at a dosage of 0.5 mg meloxicam/kg body weight
    (i.e. 2.5 ml/100 kg body weight)
    Single intramuscular injection at a dosage of 0.4 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 2.0 ml/100 kg body weight)
  2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in AnimalsMerck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) · 2024 · Veterinary reference
    Passage read from this source
    NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
    In dogs, a one-time loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg, PO, is recommended, followed by 0.1 mg/kg per day, PO.
    In the EU and other countries, it is approved for use in dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, and horses
    Vomiting is the most commonly observed adverse effect
  3. METACAM (meloxicam) oral suspension — labelDailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Boehringer Ingelheim · 2026 · Product label
    Passage read from this source
    Each milliliter of METACAM Oral Suspension contains meloxicam equivalent to 1.5 milligrams
    initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment.
    should be administered once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg).
    Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive METACAM Oral Suspension.
  4. METACAM (meloxicam) injection — labelDailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Boehringer Ingelheim · 2026 · Product label
    Passage read from this source
    METACAM 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection
    Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose of METACAM Injection to cats at a dose of 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg)
    Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death.

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.

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