The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of
meloxicam when given by intra-articular (IA) and subcutaneous (SC) routes of administration for postoperative
analgesia versus a placebo for dogs undergoing stifle surgery. Twenty-five dogs with cranial cruciate ligament
rupture (CCLR) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, each with nine dogs, before surgical repair of twenty-seven stifles using a modified lateral retinacular imbrication technique. Group 1 dogs received IA administration of
meloxicam and SC placebo. Group 2 dogs received IA placebo and SC
meloxicam. Group 3 dogs received IA and SC administration of placebo. Dogs were assessed for
pain by blinded observers using a visual analog scale (
VAS), a numerical
pain scoring system (NPS), and measurement of pain threshold using an algometer applied to the affected stifle. Assessments were made prior to pre-medication, postoperatively at the time of extubation, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours following extubation. The results did not identify any significant effect of treatment between groups on the VAS data, algometer readings, or NPS data. Significantly increased VAS scores and decreased algometer readings were noted from preoperative to postoperative times. No differences were noted in early
postoperative pain between dogs treated with IA
meloxicam, SC
meloxicam, or placebo. While intra-articular non-steroidal anti- inflammatory
drug administration has shown efficacy in joint surgery for people, we did not find any evidence to support its use in dogs undergoing repair of CCLR.