Clinical efficacy and tolerance of meloxicam in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis.
A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis. Forty clinical cases were enrolled in the 2-phase study. Phase 1 compared therapeutic efficacy and tolerance of meloxicam or placebo for 1 week. Phase 2 involved a 4-week evaluation of the drug's clinical efficacy and tolerance. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by using a scoring system that assessed specific lameness, general stiffness, painful rise, exercise intolerance, and behavior. Evaluations demonstrated significant reductions (P < 0.05) in clinical signs of osteoarthritis following 4 weeks of drug therapy. Side effects were minimal in extent and duration. The drug was accepted without problems in the majority of cases. The findings of this investigation suggest that the efficacy, tolerance, and formulation of meloxicam oral suspension make it well suited for the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis in the dog.
Doig
P A
PA
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Purbrick
K A
KA
Hare
J E
JE
McKeown
D B
DB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D000077239:Meloxicam; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013843:Thiazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D000077239:Meloxicam