Meloxicam (brand name Metacam®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is used 'off-label' in pet poultry. It is given to birds to aid in the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with acute and chronic tissue and orthopedic disorders, and pain associated with the gastrointestinal tract.
Egg Withdrawal Period: Meloxicam is not approved for use in chickens producing eggs intended for human consumption purposes in any country, due to the lack of studies on the duration of residues in the eggs of treated hens.
Storage: Store at controlled room temperature, 68 - 77°F (20 - 25°C). Excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Brief exposure to temperature up to 104°F (40°C) may be tolerated provided the mean kinetic temperature does not exceed 77°F (25°C); however such exposure should be minimized.
Toxicity: Overdose of meloxicam can cause kidney damage and gout. Repeated dosing of meloxicam in chickens above 5 mg/kg twice daily is not recommended (E Houck et al 2022). A study by A Abdullah et al 2023 demonstrated the median acute lethal dose (LD50) of meloxicam in chicks was 156.5 mg/kg. The associated clinical signs observed were anxiety, dullness, drooped wings, screaming, apnea, shrunken eyes, and recumbency.
Long term administration of meloxicam, even at low doses of 0.1 mg/kg body weight can alter the histoarchitecture of the liver and kidney (Patel, Nisha, et al. 2023).
Egg withdrawal: When administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg PO in chickens the drug was not detected in eggs after 12 days (Souza, Marcy J., et al. 2017). After 5 days of repeated dosing of meloxicam in chickens at 1 mg/kg q12h for a total of 9 doses (5 days) no drug was detected in the eggs after 11 days (Souza, Marcy J., et al 2018). There are noted differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between young (under 18 weeks of age) and adult chickens (Richards, Emily D., et al. 2022).
Disclaimer: Use at your own risk. We assume no responsibility for the use of the drug, dosages given and for any misstatement, error, negligent, or otherwise.
