Summary
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of meloxicam when given by
intra-articular (IA) and subcutaneous (SC) routes of administration for postoperative
analgesia versus a placebo for dogs undergoing stifle surgery. Twenty-five dogs with
cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment
groups, each with nine dogs, before surgical repair of twenty-seven stifles using
a modified lateral retinacular imbrication technique. Group 1 dogs received IA administration
of meloxicam and SC placebo. Group 2 dogs received IA placebo and SC meloxicam. Group
3 dogs received IA and SC administration of placebo. Dogs were assessed for pain by
blinded observers using a visual analog scale (VAS), a numerical pain scoring system
(NPS), and measurement of pain threshold using an algometer applied to the affected
stifle. Assessments were made prior to pre-medication, postoperatively at the time
of extubation, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours following extubation.
The results did not identify any significant effect of treatment between groups on
the VAS data, algometer readings, or NPS data. Significantly increased VAS scores
and decreased algometer readings were noted from preoperative to postoperative times.
No differences were noted in early postoperative pain between dogs treated with IA
meloxicam, SC meloxicam, or placebo.
While intra-articular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration has shown
efficacy in joint surgery for people, we did not find any evidence to support its
use in dogs undergoing repair of CCLR.
Keywords
Meloxicam - intra-articular - NSAID - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - analgesia
