title: Investigation on the clinical efficacy and safety of meloxicam (Metacam) in the treatment of non-infectious locomotor disorders in pigs.
abstract: The clinical efficacy and safety of meloxicam (Metacam 20 mg/ml) in the treatment of non-infectious locomotor disorders in pigs was investigated in a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled, multi-centre field study. A total of 220 pigs were examined, 211 pigs were suitable for evaluation. Treatment was performed on Day 1 with meloxicam (0.4 mg meloxicam/kg) or placebo by intramuscular injection. If necessary, treatment was optionally repeated on Day 2. Clinical examinations were conducted daily from Day 1 (immediately prior to initiation of therapy) to Day 4. The primary parameter, mean "Clinical Lameness Score" (CLS, a sum of the scores of "Lameness at Rest" and "Lameness at Walk"; range 2 to 11) improved from 6.8 and 6.3 on Day 1, to 3.5 and 4.7 on Day 4 in the meloxicam and placebo groups respectively (p < 0.001). At the final examination mean changes from baseline for CLS (Day 1) were 3.25 for meloxicam treated animals and 1.7 for placebo treated animals (p < 0.001). Behaviour score and feed intake improved during the study period with statistically significant differences in favour of meloxicam at all time points after initiation of therapy. Significantly fewer pigs received a second treatment in the meloxicam group than in the placebo group, 46% versus 73% (p < 0.001). A 'very good' or 'good' clinical efficacy assessment was recorded in 83% of the meloxicam cases compared to 42% of the placebo controls at the final examination (p < 0.001). No adverse events were reported due to the use of meloxicam. Furthermore safety of meloxicam in pregnant sows was demonstrated. It is concluded that intramuscular injection of meloxicam (Metacam) at a dosage of 0.4 mg/kg is efficacious and safe for the treatment of non-infectious locomotor disorders in pigs.
authors.affiliation: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health GmbH, Corporate Marketing, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany. friton@ing.boehringer-ingelheim.com
authors.forename: Gabriele M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Friton
authors.forename: Hagen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Philipp
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kleemann
mesh_terms: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000662:veterinary; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077239:Meloxicam; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012449:Safety; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013843:Thiazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D000077239:Meloxicam