Meloxicam

Meloxicam In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• The compound selectively suppresses the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, hence restricting the synthesis of prostaglandins that are implicated in the inflammatory response.

Uses of Meloxicam

• Mitigate the inflammation and pain in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems.
• Decrease postoperative pain and inflammation subsequent to orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.

Dose of Meloxicam in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• The initial dose is 0.2 mg/kg s.c., p.o.; if given as a single preoperative injection effects last for 24 hours.
• This can be followed by a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg/kg p.o q24h.

Cats:

• The initial injectable dose is 0.2 mg/kg s.c.; if given as a single preoperative injection effects last for 24 hours.
• To continue treatment for up to 5 days may be followed 24 hours later by the oral suspension for cats at a dosage of 0.05 mg/kg p.o.
• Postoperative pain/inflammation: A single injection of 0.3 mg/kg s.c. has been shown to be safe and efficacious.
• It is not recommended to follow this with oral meloxicam 24 hours later.
• Chronic pain: initial oral dose is 0.1 mg/kg p.o. q24h, which can be followed by a maintenance dose of 0.05 mg/kg p.o q24h.
• Treatment should be discontinued after 14 days if no clinical improvement is apparent.

Side Effects of Meloxicam in Dogs and Cats

• Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations may manifest in all animal species following the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• It is recommended to discontinue therapy if the condition persists for a duration beyond 1-2 days.
• Certain animals exhibit symptoms when treated with one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) but not with another.
• It is recommended to observe a wash-out period of 3-5 days before initiating another NSAID treatment following the discontinuation of therapy.
• It is advisable to promptly discontinue therapy in the event that gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected.
• There exists a potential for NSAIDs to induce heart failure in humans, but the extent of this danger in animals remains uncertain.

Contraindications of Meloxicam in Dogs and Cats

• Dehydrated, hypovolemic, hypotensive individuals, or those who have gastrointestinal disease or blood coagulation disorders.
• The administration of meloxicam to animals diagnosed with renal illness necessitates thorough evaluation and is not recommended during the perioperative period.
• It is advised to refrain from administering this medication to animals that are pregnant or younger than six weeks old.

Some Notes:

• It is advisable to use caution while administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the perioperative phase, as they have the potential to negatively impact renal perfusion in instances of hypotension.
• In the event that hypotension is expected to occur during the administration of anaesthesia, it is advisable to postpone the administration of meloxicam until the animal has completely regained consciousness from the anaesthetic and has returned to a normal blood pressure level.
• Liver dysfunction can result in the prolonged metabolism of meloxicam, which may increase the risk of drug buildup and potential overdose when the medicine is administered repeatedly.
• The normal liquid preparation of the oral dose can be administered either by direct administration into the oral cavity or by mixing it with food.
• When administering NSAIDs to cats, it is crucial to exercise caution in order to maintain accurate dosing and avoid above the authorised dosage, as these drugs have a longer half-life and a narrower therapeutic index.
• The administration of treatment to animals with renal illness necessitates a thorough and meticulous evaluation.
• Do not administer concurrently or within 24 hours of other NSAIDs and glucocorticoids.
• Do not administer with other potentially nephrotoxic agents, e.g. aminoglycosides.