Clinical efficacy and tolerance of meloxicam given after surgical repair of ruptured cruciate ligaments in dogs - Part 2: Discussion and literature

In a randomised double blinded clinical study the effects of a 10 day posto perative treatment with meloxicam on healing process, synovial fluid and bl ood parameters of 40 dogs with surgically repaired ruptured cruciate ligame nts were studied. The results were compared with those of a placebo group, in order to judge clinical efficacy and tolerance of the therapy. In additi on the concentration of meloxicam was measured in serum and synovial fluid of the treated animals. The clinical efficacy of meloxicam in regard to the analgesic and antipyret ic effects and the tolerance of the therapy were good. The therapy resulted in a faster restoration of the joint-mobility and the functioning of the l imbs in most of the patients. However, the wound healing problems in the me loxicam group may be explained as a local side effect of the treatment. Thi s might have been caused by inhibition of the proliferative phase of the wo und healing. Therefore, the postoperative application of meloxicam should b e restricted to 3-4 days. A short-term application of meloxicam, preferably started prior to surgery, might presumably use the positive properties of the drug without causing side effects.