Piroxicam (Feldene) for Pets in 2025 🧪

Piroxicam, a prescription NSAID, has a unique place in veterinary medicine—not only for pain relief but also for its anti-tumor effects. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 vet guide, I’ll walk you through how piroxicam is used in dogs and cats, what side effects to watch for, and how it may be part of a cancer care plan 🐾💊

🔬 What Is Piroxicam?

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) originally developed for humans. It's now occasionally used in veterinary medicine for both:

• 🦴 Arthritis and chronic pain (though other NSAIDs are now preferred)
• 🧬 Anti-tumor support—especially for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and some other carcinomas

📋 How Piroxicam Is Used

• 💊 Available in 10 mg and 20 mg capsules
• 📆 Given once daily or every other day, with food to reduce stomach upset
• 🌡️ Store in a cool, dry place protected from light

⚠️ Because of its narrow safety margin, never double up on missed doses and do not administer without veterinary approval.

🧬 Anti-Cancer Applications

Piroxicam shows activity against certain carcinomas. It’s most commonly used for:

• 🧪 Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer)
• 🧪 Mammary gland tumors
• 🧪 Squamous cell carcinoma

Though exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are believed to contribute to tumor suppression.

⚠️ Side Effects

Common (mild):

• 🤢 Vomiting
• 💩 Diarrhea

Serious (potentially life-threatening):

• 🩸 GI ulcers (black stool, vomiting blood)
• 💧 Kidney injury (increased thirst/urination)
• 🧬 Bleeding problems

💡 Key Safety Tips

• ⚠️ Always give with food
• ⛔ Never combine with another NSAID or corticosteroid
• 🧪 Watch for signs of GI upset or bleeding
• 📊 Monitor kidney values and liver enzymes with long-term use

🔄 Drug Interactions

• ❌ Avoid with: other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or methotrexate
• ⚠️ Use caution with: clopidogrel, SSRIs, tricyclics (e.g., fluoxetine, amitriptyline)
• ⚠️ Enhances: vinblastine activity
• ⚠️ Reduces methotrexate dose required—risk of methotrexate toxicity if dose not adjusted
• ⚠️ Increases cyclosporine toxicity risk

📊 Monitoring Guidelines

• 💉 Blood tests may be recommended before and during therapy
• 📈 Monitor for early signs of kidney or liver dysfunction
• 🚨 Stop immediately if vomiting, black stool, or loss of appetite occurs

🚫 When to Avoid Piroxicam

• ❌ Pre-existing kidney disease
• ❌ History of GI ulcers or bleeding
• ❌ Concurrent use of corticosteroids or other NSAIDs
• ⚠️ Use with caution in cats—vomiting is common

📲 Ask a Vet If...

• 🧪 You’re considering piroxicam for a pet with suspected bladder or mammary cancer
• 🩸 Your pet is also on NSAIDs, chemo, or immune meds
• 😕 You see vomiting, bloody stool, or appetite changes

Use the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance on cancer pain management or inflammation therapies tailored to your pet 🐾💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Piroxicam is a prescription NSAID used for both pain and anti-tumor support in pets
• ✔️ Used mainly for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs
• ⚠️ Significant risk of GI upset, ulcers, and kidney damage
• 📊 Requires close monitoring with long-term use
• ❌ Avoid in pets with pre-existing kidney, GI, or bleeding issues

Used carefully, piroxicam can be a valuable cancer management tool—but always under veterinary supervision 💛

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc