Robenacoxib is a member of the coxib class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), with high selectivity for the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 isoform of COX. In this study, the efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib were compared with those of carprofen in canine osteoarthritis in a multi-centre, prospective, randomized, blinded, positive-controlled noninferiority clinical trial. Both drugs were administered orally once daily at recommended dosages: robenacoxib at 1-2 mg/kg (n = 125 dogs) and racemic carprofen at 2-4 mg/kg (n = 63 dogs) for a total of 12 weeks. The efficacy of the test compounds was assessed by veterinary investigators and owners using numerical rating scales at baseline and days 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84. In both groups, all scores were significantly (P < 0.0001) improved compared with baseline at all time points (days 7-84). Robenacoxib had noninferior efficacy to carprofen for the primary endpoint, the global functional disability, both for all dogs and for the subgroup of dogs in which robenacoxib was not administered during meals. Noninferiority was also demonstrated for three of six veterinary investigator secondary endpoints and four of six owner efficacy endpoints. For haematology and clinical chemistry variables, there were some significant differences from baseline levels but no differences between groups. There were no differences between groups in the frequencies of adverse events, which were reported in 46% dogs with robenacoxib and 52% with carprofen (P = 0.44), which were most frequently mild events affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, noninferior efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib compared with carprofen was demonstrated in dogs with osteoarthritis.

BackgroundNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in veterinary medicine. Robenacoxib is a NSAID with high selectivity for the cyclo-oxygenase-2 enzyme. In this study, the efficacy and safety of robenacoxib were evaluated in a prospective, randomised, active- and placebo-controlled masked clinical trial in 147 cats undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Cats were randomised into two treatment groups: Group 1, robenacoxib (2 mg/kg) administered via subcutaneous (s.c.) injection before surgery, followed by robenacoxib tablets (1–2.4 mg/kg) administered post-operatively for approximately 9 days (n = 101) and Group 2, meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg) administered s.c. before surgery, followed by placebo tablets administered post-operatively for approximately 9 days (n = 46). Cats were assessed using numerical rating scales (NRSs) by clinicians before surgery and at 3, 8, 22 and 28 hours after surgery and at the final visit (VF on approximately Day 10), and daily by their owners from Day 1 to the VF.ResultsThe primary end point was the global investigator score which was the sum of clinician NRSs for posture, behaviour and pain on palpation/manipulation. The efficacy of the single robenacoxib injection, assessed during 3 to 22 hours, was statistically non-inferior to meloxicam, with a relative efficacy of 1.029 (95% confidence interval, 0.847–1.231). No significant differences were detected during the follow-up treatment with robenacoxib tablets for approximately 9 days compared with placebo via clinician assessments at 28 hours and the VF, or in owner assessments on Days 1–VF. There were no significant differences in frequencies of reported adverse events, clinical observations and haematology or clinical chemistry variables between the groups.ConclusionsSingle s.c. injection of robenacoxib before surgery had non-inferior efficacy compared with meloxicam in controlling post-operative pain and inflammation in cats undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Follow-up treatment with oral robenacoxib tablets for approximately 9 days was well tolerated, but there were no differences in the efficacy scores after Day 1 compared with the group receiving meloxicam s.c. followed by placebo control.

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Specific RI should be considered for PCV and selected plasma variables in small-sized dogs.

Objectives This study was designed to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of a daily dose of 7.0 mg/kg (3.2 mg/lb) ciclosporin (CsA) in the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis (HD), as this includes some of the most frequently suspected skin diseases in cats and recent publications have reported the successful use of CsA in the treatment of feline HD. Methods In total, 217 cats with feline HD were treated daily for 42 days with a target dose of 7 mg/kg CsA (n = 144) or a placebo control (n = 73) administered either in the food or directly in the mouth following feeding. Clinical and dermatological evaluations were conducted on days 0, 21 and 42, or study exit. Safety was evaluated through physical examinations, clinical pathology and the monitoring of adverse events (AEs). Results Administration of CsA at 7.0 mg/kg produced a significant improvement in the total lesion score ( P <0.0001). The average reduction from visit 1 to visit 3 was 65.1% in the CsA group (9.2% for the placebo). In addition, owners assessed 78.3% of the cases in the CsA group as a success. Statistically significant recoveries were also seen in extent of lesions, investigator assessment of overall improvement, and mean improvement in both the investigators' and owners' assessment of pruritus. Mild gastrointestinal disorders were the most common AEs but did not require cessation of therapy. Conclusions and relevance Results confirm that 7.0 mg/kg CsA dosed daily in food or orally for up to 6 weeks is effective and well tolerated by cats with feline HD.