Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01–0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, painful condition that is now recognised as affecting a large proportion of cats. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven efficacy in dogs and humans but there are limited published data on the use of NSAIDs in the long-term management of this condition in cats. This prospective study aimed to assess the long-term safety and palatability of oral meloxicam and its efficacy in treating osteoarthritic pain in cats when given at a dose of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg once daily. Forty cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis completed the trial with a mean treatment duration of 5.8 months. Gastrointestinal upset in 2/46 (4%) cats was the only adverse effect noted. No deleterious effect on renal function was detected in cats studied. Owners subjectively assessed treatment efficacy as good or excellent in 34/40 (85%) of cases. The results of this study showed oral meloxicam to be safe and palatable long-term treatment for osteoarthritis in cats when given with food at a dose of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg.

Analgesic efficacy of tramadol in cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis

“…Indeed, brain functional imaging in cats with OA revealed sustained ascending nociceptive inputs and increased activity of the descending modulatory pathways, both consistent with central sensitisation [14]. The analgesic treatment of OA in cats has been classically based on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as meloxicam [2,3,11,15,16]. This compound seems to improve motor activity [3,11], but not central sensitisation [3,5].…”

Difficulties in administration of oral medication formulations to pet cats: an e‐survey of cat owners

“…It is noteworthy that these were practically all (excluding one off-label drug) feline medications in which the palatability issues were considered in formulation development by the pharmaceutical company. In other studies, oral suspensions registered for feline medication were also well accepted by cats, either given alone or mixed in food (Litster and others 2007, Gunew and others 2008). Product development for feline medication is apparently progressing in the right direction, although there is further need for drugs registered specifically for cats, based on the amount of off-label usage.…”

ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines: Long-Term use of NSAIDs in Cats

“…Indeed, the GI tract has been considered the major site for NSAID toxicity in both humans and animals, including cats. 13,16,21,48,57,93 In one study of the long-term use of piroxicam in 73 cats with neoplasia, 91 vomiting was the most commonly reported adverse effect (occurring in 16% in the first month), although there was evidence that other therapies (eg, chemotherapeutic agents) contributed to the reported prevalence. During long-term use of oral meloxicam at a dose of 0.1 mg/cat, vomiting was reported in 2/46 cats (4%).…”

“…Control of bodyweight, exercise and environmental modifications may help cats with DJD, as may other medical therapies. However, the dramatic responses reported to NSAIDs 13,21,23 indicate that there is a huge scope for safe, effective long-term NSAID therapy in the large cohort of aged cats with DJD (Fig 3). to 6 days of therapy in cats (see Table 1, page 529).…”

“…There is little doubt that others will become licensed for long-term use in the future, due to the recognition of the need and value for such NSAID therapy in this species. 10,11,[13][14][15]18 Clinicians are aware of their duty to promote animal welfare and relieve suffering, but are also often reminded of Hippocrates' advice to 'first do no harm'. This is often rightly used to question whether an intervention will actually do more harm than good, and to withhold that intervention when doubts exist.…”