Search

NSAIDs are the cornerstone of medical management of canine osteoarthritis (OA). Meloxicam is a daily-administered NSAID widely available in a liquid formulation and manufacturer's summary of product characteristics (SPC) advise that it is given at the lowest effective dose. Mavacoxib is a long-acting NSAID given as a monthly tablet. This study compares these drugs in the management of canine OA. In all, 111 dogs with OA of the elbow, hip or stifle were randomly assigned to receive one of these NSAIDs for a 12-week period, and to administer them as per the manufacturer's SPC. Outcomes, including ground reaction forces and three validated clinical metrology instruments, were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Improvements were seen in all outcome measures for both groups to a similar degree, and adverse events occurred at a similar rate. There were significant improvements in outcome measures from week 6 to week 12, as well as from baseline. Long-term meloxicam dose was more important than recent dose. Clinical efficacy and adverse event rates are similar for meloxicam and mavacoxib when administered as per their UK SPC. This is relevant information for veterinary surgeons when prescribing NSAID treatment for canine OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a survey in veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and dog owners concerning the treatment uncertainties and management of dogs having osteoarthritis.

The article reports that University of Bristol researchers are considering recruiting additional dogs to a research about canine osteoarthritis (OA) and improvement of the treatment of pain for dogs with the condition.

A letter to the editor is presented that raises concerns about widespread off-label use of medicines by members of the veterinary profession, citing the trend to use oral tramadol under the prescribing cascade for the management of osteoarthritis in elderly dogs.