Meloxicam for Veiled Chameleons
Reptile · Chamaeleo calyptratus · typical adult weight 0.09–0.20 kg
Meloxicam is dosed at 1 mg/kg IM not specified in veiled chameleons, per Effect of GnRH agonist (deslorelin) on reproductive activity in captive female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Veterinarni Medicina. DOI 10.17221/31/2023-VETMED; PMID 37982053; PMCID PMC10581518. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10581518/. Meloxicam is used in veiled chameleons for analgesia / pre-medication for implant procedure. Routes documented in veiled chameleons: IM. A typical adult veiled chameleon weighs 0.09–0.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Meloxicam in veiled chameleons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Metacam
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 1 mg/kg | not specified | analgesia / pre-medication for implant procedure | Weak | Effect of GnRH agonist (deslorelin) on reproductive activity in captive female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Veterinarni Medicina. DOI 10.17221/31/2023-VETMED; PMID 37982053; PMCID PMC10581518. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10581518/ |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your veiled chameleon's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Preferential COX-2 inhibitor, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.
Side effects & warnings
Use with extreme caution in cats (single SC dose labeled; repeated oral use controversial). GI ulceration risk. Avoid in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or renally compromised patients. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for veiled chameleons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Meloxicam for Veiled Chameleons?
Meloxicam dose range in veiled chameleons, with cited source references: IM 1 mg/kg not specified.
How is Meloxicam administered in Veiled Chameleons?
Documented routes for Meloxicam in veiled chameleons: IM.
What conditions does Meloxicam treat in Veiled Chameleons?
Meloxicam is indicated in veiled chameleons for: analgesia / pre-medication for implant procedure.
What are the side effects of Meloxicam in Veiled Chameleons?
These are general warnings for Meloxicam across species; consult the veiled chameleon dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Use with extreme caution in cats (single SC dose labeled; repeated oral use controversial). GI ulceration risk. Avoid in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or renally compromised patients. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Other Analgesic drugs with veiled chameleon dosing
Meloxicam dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Meloxicam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in veiled chameleons — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.