Loxicom or Metacam: What is the difference?

When your dog is struggling with joint pain or mobility issues, your vet may prescribe medication to help manage their discomfort. Two commonly prescribed options in the UK are Loxicom and Metacam, both containing the same active ingredient but with some important differences that dog owners should understand.

Both medications belong to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. They're particularly helpful for dogs with arthritis, joint stiffness, and age-related mobility problems, as well as for managing post-operative pain.

Understanding the similarities and differences between these medications can help you make informed decisions about your dog's pain management alongside your veterinary care team.

Supporting Joint Health Beyond Prescription Medication

When your dog is prescribed meloxicam medication like Loxicom or Metacam for joint pain, you might wonder what additional support options exist. At MedPaw, we've developed a complementary feed designed to work alongside veterinary treatment, never as a replacement for it.

For dogs managing joint conditions with prescription medication, MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max offers the complete spectrum of six key joint actives that support ongoing joint health. While medications like Loxicom and Metacam focus on inflammation management, our soft chews provide targeted nutritional support with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, and Boswellia serrata.

This comprehensive approach means your dog receives both veterinary pain management and nutritional joint support. The soft chew format makes daily supplementation straightforward, and our 60-day guarantee gives you confidence in trying this complementary approach alongside your vet's treatment plan.

Shop MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max Complementary nutritional support for dogs receiving veterinary joint care.

What Are Loxicom and Metacam?

Metacam is the original branded medication containing meloxicam, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It's been the market-leading veterinary NSAID for many years and is widely recognised by veterinarians across the UK.

Loxicom is a generic version of meloxicam oral suspension. It contains exactly the same active ingredient as Metacam at identical concentrations, making it what's known as a bioequivalent generic medication. This means it works in precisely the same way in your dog's body.

Both medications are commonly prescribed for dogs experiencing arthritis and joint stiffness, age-related mobility issues, post-operative pain, and chronic joint conditions. They work by blocking certain enzymes that cause inflammation, helping to support your dog's comfort levels.

Key Differences Between the Two Medications

Effectiveness and Active Ingredients

There is no clinical difference between Loxicom and Metacam in terms of effectiveness. Both contain meloxicam at the same concentration, and Loxicom is recognised as bioequivalent to Metacam.

This means they provide identical therapeutic benefits and work in exactly the same way to reduce inflammation and support pain management. Your dog will receive the same level of support regardless of which medication your vet prescribes.

Cost Considerations

The most significant difference between the two medications is cost. Loxicom is typically considerably cheaper than Metacam, particularly when purchased from licensed online veterinary pharmacies.

This price difference can be substantial over time, especially for dogs requiring long-term pain management. UK dog owners have the right to request a written prescription from their vet and shop around for the best prices at licensed online pharmacies.

Taste and Palatability

Metacam comes with a honey flavour that most dogs find palatable. Loxicom's flavouring may vary depending on the manufacturer, but the majority of dogs accept both medications willingly.

If your dog is particularly fussy about taking medication, discuss taste preferences with your vet. They may be able to advise on which option your dog is more likely to accept readily.

When These Medications Are Prescribed

Veterinarians typically prescribe meloxicam-based medications like Loxicom or Metacam for dogs experiencing various pain and inflammation conditions.

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for long-term NSAID use in dogs. This degenerative joint condition affects many older dogs and can significantly impact their quality of life without proper management.

Joint pain and stiffness, particularly in older dogs or those with conditions like hip dysplasia, often respond well to these medications. Post-surgical pain following orthopaedic procedures or other operations is another common indication.

Acute injuries such as soft tissue damage or sprains may also warrant short-term treatment, whilst chronic pain conditions often require ongoing anti-inflammatory management. If you notice any signs of pain or discomfort in your dog, it's important to speak with your vet for proper assessment and diagnosis.

Recognising When Your Dog May Need Help

Dog owners should seek veterinary advice if they notice signs that may indicate joint pain or mobility issues. Early intervention can make a significant difference to your dog's comfort and quality of life.

Mobility Changes to Watch For

Changes in how your dog moves can be subtle at first but often become more pronounced over time. Difficulty getting up from lying down, particularly after a long rest, is one of the earliest signs many owners notice.

Reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture that your dog previously managed easily can indicate developing joint discomfort. You might also notice a slower walking pace during regular walks or that your dog seems to tire more quickly than usual.

Behavioural Indicators

Dogs experiencing joint discomfort often show changes in behaviour before obvious physical signs appear. Reduced activity levels or reluctance to play games they previously enjoyed can be early indicators.

Changes in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty finding comfortable positions or restlessness during the night, may suggest joint stiffness. Some dogs become more irritable or sensitive when touched around affected joints, whilst others may withdraw from family activities they once participated in enthusiastically.

Important Safety Considerations

Both Loxicom and Metacam are prescription-only medicines that require careful veterinary supervision. Never give these medications without proper veterinary guidance, as NSAIDs can have serious side effects if used inappropriately.

Before starting treatment, your vet will typically conduct a thorough physical examination and review your dog's medical history. They may recommend blood tests to check kidney and liver function, particularly in older dogs or those with existing health conditions.

During treatment, it's important to monitor your dog for any changes in appetite or drinking habits, vomiting or diarrhoea, lethargy or unusual behaviour, and changes in urination patterns. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any concerning signs.

Who Should Avoid These Medications

Certain dogs may not be suitable candidates for NSAID treatment. Dogs with kidney disease, liver problems, heart conditions, or gastrointestinal issues may require alternative pain management approaches.

Pregnant or nursing dogs should not receive these medications, and they should never be given alongside other NSAIDs or certain other medications without veterinary approval. If you're concerned about Metacam side effects in dogs, discuss these thoroughly with your vet before starting treatment.

Supporting Your Dog's Joint Health

While prescription NSAIDs like Loxicom and Metacam are often essential for managing joint pain, many dog owners also consider complementary approaches to support their pet's overall joint health.

Weight management plays a crucial role in joint health. Maintaining an appropriate body weight reduces stress on joints and can significantly improve mobility and comfort levels. Your vet can advise on the ideal weight range for your dog's breed and size.

Gentle, regular exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. Swimming is particularly beneficial as it provides low-impact exercise that supports joint movement without placing excessive stress on painful areas.

Environmental Modifications

Simple changes around your home can make daily activities more comfortable for dogs with joint issues. Providing orthopaedic bedding gives better support during rest periods, whilst non-slip surfaces help prevent falls and reduce anxiety about movement.

Installing ramps instead of requiring your dog to navigate stairs can reduce stress on joints, particularly for dogs with hip or back problems. Raised food and water bowls can also make mealtimes more comfortable.

Nutritional Support

Many dog owners choose to give their pets joint supplements as complementary feeds alongside veterinary treatment. These supplements typically contain ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and green-lipped mussel, which may help support joint health and comfort.

Joint supplements work differently from prescription medications and are designed to support the structure and function of joints over time rather than providing immediate pain relief. MedPaw's hip and joint supplement is formulated with these key ingredients to support your dog's joint health as part of a comprehensive care approach.

Making the Right Choice for Your Dog

The decision between Loxicom and Metacam should always be made in consultation with your veterinarian. They'll consider your dog's specific condition and needs, any previous medication sensitivities, and practical factors like cost considerations for long-term treatment.

Many veterinary practices dispense Metacam by default as it's the well-established brand name product. However, you can ask your vet about Loxicom as a cost-effective alternative, or request a written prescription to purchase either medication from a licensed online pharmacy.

Remember that both medications require the same level of veterinary monitoring and follow-up care. The choice between them often comes down to cost and availability rather than clinical effectiveness, since they contain identical active ingredients.

Ongoing Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for dogs on long-term NSAID therapy. Your vet will monitor your dog's response to treatment and watch for any potential side effects that might develop over time.

These follow-up appointments allow your veterinary team to assess whether the current treatment plan is working effectively and make any necessary adjustments. They may recommend periodic blood tests to ensure your dog's organs are handling the medication well.

Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new pain medication, switching between different brands, stopping or changing dosages, or if you notice any concerning side effects. If your dog's condition changes or doesn't improve as expected, prompt veterinary advice is essential.

This ongoing partnership between you and your veterinary team ensures your dog receives optimal pain management and maintains the best possible quality of life. With proper veterinary care and appropriate medication, many dogs with joint issues can continue to enjoy active, comfortable lives well into their senior years.