Mavacoxib and meloxicam for canine osteoarthritis: a randomised clinical comparator trial

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are essential for managing canine osteoarthritis (OA).
• Meloxicam is a daily NSAID, while mavacoxib is a long-acting monthly NSAID.
• Manufacturer's guidelines recommend using the lowest effective NSAID dose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of meloxicam and mavacoxib in managing canine OA.
• To evaluate outcomes using ground reaction forces and validated clinical metrology instruments.
• To assess the impact of NSAID administration timing and dosage on OA management.

Main Methods:

• 111 dogs with elbow, hip, or stifle OA were randomly assigned to receive either meloxicam or mavacoxib for 12 weeks.
• Drugs were administered according to manufacturer's Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
• Outcome measures, including ground reaction forces and clinical metrology instruments, were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Both meloxicam and mavacoxib groups showed similar improvements in all measured outcome parameters.
• Adverse event rates were comparable between the two NSAID groups.
• Significant improvements in outcome measures were observed from baseline to 12 weeks, and specifically from week 6 to week 12.

Conclusions:

• Meloxicam and mavacoxib demonstrate similar clinical efficacy and safety profiles for canine OA when used per UK SPC guidelines.
• Long-term meloxicam dosage is a more significant factor than recent dosage in managing canine OA.
• This comparative data is valuable for veterinary surgeons prescribing NSAIDs for canine OA.