Comparison between meloxicam and transdermally administered fentanyl for treatment of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing osteotomy of the tibia and fibula and placement of a uniplanar external distraction device.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of meloxicam administered perioperatively with transdermal administration of fentanyl via a patch placed preoperatively in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
16 dogs.


METHODS
Unilateral or bilateral osteotomy of the tibia and fibula was surgically performed, and a uniplanar external distraction device was placed in each limb. Postoperative pain and lameness were assessed 24, 48, and 72 hours after administration of the first of 3 doses of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb], IV, given preoperatively, followed by 0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], IV, after 24 hours, and 0.1 mg/kg, PO, after 48 hours) or preoperative placement of a transdermal fentanyl patch (50 microg/h) left in place for 72 hours.


RESULTS
No significant differences in total pain scores were detected between groups. Mean +/- SD lameness scores assessed at 24 and 72 hours were lower in dogs in the meloxicam group than dogs in the fentanyl group. Lameness scores decreased with time in a similar manner in both treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative administration of meloxicam or preoperative placement of a transdermal fentanyl patch provided effective and similar postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery. However, because of its anti-inflammatory effects, treatment with meloxicam reduced the degree of lameness and resulted in rapid functional recovery of the limb.
Lafuente
M Pilar
MP
Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Franch
Jordi
J
Durall
Ignacio
I
Díaz-Bertrana
M Carmen
MC
Márquez
Rosa M
RM
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary; D000077239:Meloxicam; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D013843:Thiazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D005283:Fentanyl; D000077239:Meloxicam