Comparison of 0.2 Mg/kg Vs. 1.0 Mg/kg of Oral Meloxicam for Safe and Effective Analgesia in Domestic Rabbits

  • Katherine Nield Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
  • Merran Govendir Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Australia

Published:

2019-06-21

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v4i2.215

Abstract

PICO question

In domestic rabbits, how does 1 mg/kg of oral meloxicam compare with 0.2 mg/kg of oral meloxicam for significant changes in pain behaviour, and kidney and liver biochemical analytes?

Clinical bottom line

Based on current available evidence, oral meloxicam at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg daily when used as the sole analgesic does not provide adequate pain relief in rabbits. A dosage of 1 mg/kg daily is more efficacious, but it is unclear whether this is sufficient for postoperative pain management. The literature supports the safety of meloxicam at both 0.2 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg daily for healthy rabbits, based on liver and kidney biochemical analytes.

Five studies have been reviewed, which are a mix of randomised controlled trials and prospective clinical trials.


Open Access Peer Reviewed

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Vol. 4 No. 2 (2019): The second issue of 2019

Section: Knowledge Summaries

Categories :  Small Animal  /  Dogs  /  Cats  /  Rabbits  /  Production Animal  /  Cattle  /  Sheep  /  Pig  /  Equine  /  Exotics  /