Loxicom is a brand of the anti-inflammatory drug Meloxicam. It’s prescribed by vets to treat pain, fever and inflammation in cats and other animals.
Although very effective, the drug is known to cause sleepiness and lethargy in felines. If your cat has been treated with Loxicom, he may sleep more or seem less inclined to play or indulge in activities.
This behavior is certainly not unusual for felines treated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
To provide your cat with the best care possible, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with all of potential side-effects associated with Loxicom.
What Are the Other Side Effects of Loxicom?
The majority of side-effects caused by Loxicom are mild, taking place during the early stages of treatment.
More often than not, they’ll recede once your cat’s treatment is complete.
However, the drug may cause more serious side effects including: stop treatment and speak to a vet.
- Blood in Stool
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
Notice any of the above side-effects and you should get in touch with your vet.
Blood in Stool
Haematochezia (bloody stool) is a known side-effect of NSAID medications that often appears during the initial stages of treatment.
Although it usually subsides after a couple of days to a week, Haematochezia will sometimes recur when a cat has an underlying health condition relating to the liver or kidneys.
Kidney Failure
Thankfully, kidney failure is rare in cats treated with Loxicom.
Repeated use of Meloxicam in cats has however been shown to cause renal failure and even death.
Should this be of concern, speak to your vet.
Lack of Appetite, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Loxicom treatment sometimes results in gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea, vomiting and a lack of appetite.
Treatment should be stopped if your cat shows these side effects. Be sure to provide lots of water to ensure hydration.
Then contact your vet.
How Long Do Meloxicam Side Effects Last?
Most of the side effects mentioned here tend to occur during the first week of treatment, before disappearing altogether once treatment has stopped.
However, they may continue if the patient feline has an underlying health condition. To avoid this, veterinarians should conduct blood and urine tests to decide if the drug is safe for your cat.
What Exactly Does Loxicom Do?
Loxicom is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that’s often used to relieve inflammation and other symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. It’s also used to treat post-operative pain or discomfort.
Does Loxicom Work Straight Away?
So how long does Loxicom take to work? Although it doesn’t exactly work straight away, the drug is fast-acting. Pain relief and clinical improvements usually take effect in 1 to 2 hours.
How Do You Give Loxicom?
Loxicom is usually administered twice-daily. This can be performed either by mixing the drug with food, or through direct oral insertion via a dosing syringe.
If you decide to administer directly, only do so with the syringe that’s provided with the medication.
Final Thoughts
Once again, we’d like to reiterate the importance of contacting your vet if you’re concerned that your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above.
While Loxicom is considered perfectly safe for cats, it will sometimes cause side-effects.
For the well-being of your cat and your own peace of mind, talk to a trained vet to allay any concerns you may have.
There are a number of places where Loxicom can be purchased online, some of which offer reduced prices. Here’s are three trusted outlets.