The epidural analgesic effects of Meloxicam in dogs

Epidural analgesia is an effective and frequent method used to induce analgesia in perineal region during orthopedic or obstetric procedures of pain management. 18 healthy mixed-breed dogs, were randomly divided into three groups. Lumbosacral epidural analgesia was performed in all dogs in the following order: lidocaine (0.2 mg/kg) in group A, meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg ) in group B and the combination of both drugs in group C. Heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperatures were recorded for every 5 minutes, while analgesia onset time, duration of analgesia and paralysis were also recorded in all dogs. Without any systemic complications, no significant difference was observed in mean heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature in all groups (p >0.05). Duration of analgesia was significantly lower in group B (59 ± 15) compared to group A (109±10) and C (127± 24) (p <0.05). Moreover, paralysis did not occur in group B. It is concluded that meloxicam is effective and safe in inducing epidural analgesia in dogs. Although sensory block occurred during epidural analgesia, motor block and paralysis of the legs did not occur. Therefore further studies using the higher concentration of the drug are recommended. Also the drug does not enhance the duration of analgesia induced by lidocaine.