Canine parvovirus type 2c infection in a kitten associated with intracranial abscess and convulsions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and palatability of meloxicam 0.5mg/ml oral suspension, compared to ketoprofen tablets in cats suffering from painful acute locomotor disorders. This single blinded, positively-controlled, randomised, multicentre trial involved 121 client owned cats. Cats received either meloxicam (0.5mg/ml oral suspension) at 0.1mg/kg on day 1 followed by 0.05mg/kg q 24h on days 2-5, or ketoprofen 5mg tablets at 1.0mg/kg q 24h for 5 days. The efficacy of the two treatments was assessed subjectively by clinicians on day 6 using a clinical sum score (CSS). Palatability and accuracy of dosing were also assessed. The baseline CSS was not significantly different between the groups, and after 5 days of treatment the CSS had decreased to a similar extent, reflecting a reduction in pain. There were no significant differences between the CSS of each group at day 6. Both treatments were well tolerated. Meloxicam was significantly more palatable than ketoprofen, and allowed for more accurate dosing. Meloxicam and ketoprofen are a safe and efficacious treatment for acute locomotor disorders in cats. Meloxicam (Metacam) may be associated with superior compliance in clinical practice due to the higher palatability, which results in better ease of administration.

Acceptability of flavoured pharmaceutically non-active mini-tablets in pet cats tested with a rapid 3-portal acceptance test with and without food

“…On the other hand, despite of the high individual variation, using pet cats is consistent with the EMA guideline ( EMA, 2014 ) for carrying out palatability tests for pharmaceuticals on companion animals with the target population. Some palatability assessments of pharmaceuticals have been conducted on client-owned pet cats ( Giraudel et al., 2010 , Gunew et al., 2008 , Huhtinen et al., 2015 , Litster et al., 2007 , Morton et al., 2011 ), and others on laboratory cats ( Bernachon et al., 2014a , Bernachon et al., 2014b , Cron et al., 2014 ). Cats may have a timid nature and a fear of strangers or unfamiliar environments, and therefore owner-performed palatability testing would help to avoid stress, and thereby obtain more reliable results.…”

“…Laboratory kittens chose food containing large quantities of leucine ( Hargrove, Morris, & Rogers, 1994 ). Various methods have been used to assess the palatability of feline pharmaceuticals ( Bernachon et al., 2014a , Bernachon et al., 2014b , Cron et al., 2014 , Giraudel et al., 2010 , Gunew et al., 2008 , Huhtinen et al., 2015 , Khor et al., 2011 , Litster et al., 2007 , Morton et al., 2011 , Traas et al., 2010 ) because a guideline on the demonstration of palatability of veterinary medicinal products has only been published quite recently by the European Medicines Agency ( EMA, 2014 ).…”

2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Acute Pain in Cats

“…After any contraindication for their use has been ruled out (GI disease, NSAID intolerance, unmanaged renal disease, hepatic disease, coagulopathies, hypovolaemia and hypotension, concurrent NSAID or corticosteroid administration), NSAIDs are highly effective for the treatment of acute pain in cats as part of a multimodal approach. [106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114] Recommended NSAID regimens for management of acute pain in cats are summarised in Table 7.…”

“…Some postoperative patients may benefit from prolonged NSAID administration and this should be considered on a case-by-case basis. 115 Meloxicam and robenacoxib have good palatability, which facilitates treatment compliance, 113,117 and once a day dosing also increases the likelihood of the cat receiving the prescribed medication. Injectable formulations are used in the perioperative period and can be administered IV (off-label use) or SC, depending on the drug used and country.…”

“…Many studies have shown that different perioperative NSAIDs usually perform similarly in terms of analgesic efficacy and duration of effect (ie, non-inferiority or comparison trials). 110,111,113 The timing of NSAID administration is a controversial subject. NSAIDs can generally be administered preoperatively for routine neutering of healthy cats, especially if blood pressure is monitored and cats are normovolaemic.…”