Clinical and anti-inflammatory effects of treating endotoxin-challenged pigs with meloxicam.

Author(s): Friton GM, Schmidt H, Schrodl W

Affiliation(s): Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Binger Strasse 173, D-55216 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.

Publication date & source: 2006-10-21, Vet Rec., 159(17):552-7.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

The clinical and anti-inflammatory effects of a single treatment of 0.4 mg meloxicam/kg bodyweight on pigs that had been challenged with Escherichia coli endotoxin were investigated. Significantly lower total clinical scores were recorded in pigs treated with meloxicam than in pigs treated with a placebo. Significantly higher mean serum concentrations of thromboxane B(2) were also recorded in pigs treated with a placebo for up to 24 hours after the challenge. The serum concentrations of acute phase proteins and specific antibody titres to E coli lipopolysaccharide were unaffected by the meloxicam. The meloxicam treatment was well tolerated.