MeloxicamDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Cattle, Dogs, Horses, Pigs and Sheep.

Oxicam-class NSAID with COX-2 preferential activity; used for pain, inflammation and fever. Meloxicam is used to decrease pain, inflammation, and fever. It has been used for the acute and chronic treatment of pain and inflammation in dogs and cats. One of the most common uses is osteoarthritis, but it has also been used for pain associated with surgery. Both acute and longterm safety and efficacy have been established for dogs. In studies performed in dogs, higher doses (up to 0.5 mg/k

Meloxicam is an NSAID of the oxicam class. Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam has analgesic and antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. The enzyme inhibited by NSAID is the COX enzyme. The COX enzyme exists in two isoforms: COX- 1 and COX- 2.

Dogs and cats with preexisting GI problems or kidney disease may be at a greater risk of adverse effects from NSAIDs. However, at a dosage of 0.02 mg/kg/day, longterm use in cats did not cause deterioration of renal disease in cats with preexisting kidney disease. Safety in pregnant animals is not known, but adverse effects have not been reported. The oral meloxicam solution of meloxicam contains xylitol.

Major adverse effects are GI, including vomiting, diarrhea, and ulceration. Because meloxicam appears to be relatively COX- 1 sparing, adverse effects are expected to be less than other NSAIDs that are not as selective. However, this property has not been demonstrated on controlled clinical trials and may be dependent on dose and species. Kidney injury, especially in dehydrated animals or animals with preexisting renal disease, has been shown for some NSAIDs.

Monitor GI signs for evidence of diarrhea, GI bleeding, or ulcers. Because of the risk of renal injury, monitor renal parameters (water consumption, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urine-specific gravity) periodically during treatment.

A withdrawal interval is stated for this drug. It depends on the formulation, route and dose, so read the exact wording in the interactive drug guide before treating a food animal.