Efficacy and safety of Meloxicam (Metacam((R))) in controlling perioperative pain in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery

The goal of this placebo-controlled blind clinical trial was to survey the efficacy and tolerance of a single 10.2 mg/kg) intravenous injection of mel oxicam 0.5 %. Seventy-two dogs were used in this study. Thirty-six dogs wer e treated with meloxicam and thirty-six dogs received a placebo. The seventy-two dogs underwent either stifle surgery (cranial cruciate liga ment rupture or patellar luxation) or elbow arthrotomy (i.e. fragmented cor onoid process). Meloxicam was administered at induction of anesthesia. Pain was assessed before treatment and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours a fter extubation (T-0) using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and by assessin g the Reaction to Manipulation (RMS) of the affected limb. The rectal tempe rature, heart and respiratory rates were also measured. Serum cortisol conc entrations were measured before surgery, at extubation and 2, 8 and 24 hour s after extubation. Measuring blood urea, creatinine and ALT before surgery and 24 hours after extubation (T-0) monitored renal and hepatic parameters . In 22 dogs the blood parameters were repeated 10 days after surgery. Ther e were no adverse effects noted in any of the dogs. Statistically significant VAS (t-test p < 0.05) and RMS (Cochran-Mantel-Hae nzel-Test p < 0.05) results were noted 2-24 hours after surgery. Serum cort isol concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.01) after 8 hours in th e "Meloxicam Group" This study shows the efficacy and safety of meloxicam (Metacam((R))) inject ed intravenously to dogs at a dose 0.2 mg/kg prior to anesthesia induction for peri operative pain management.