The Efficacy of Meloxicam Oral Suspension for Controlling Pain and Inflammation After Castration in Horses

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a meloxicam oral suspension (MOS) for pain and inflammation control after castration in horses. The study consisted of 88 healthy, unbroken, 2-year-old mixed breed horses (primarily Quarter horse and draft type). Group 1 animals (n = 44) received MOS at the dose of 0.6 mg per kg body weight administered orally at the time of castration then daily for two consecutive days. Group 2 animals (n = 44) received 0.9% saline at the dose of 1 mL per 25-kg body weight administered orally at the time of castration then daily for two consecutive days. Animals were castrated on day 0 and observed for clinical signs of pain and inflammation for four (4) consecutive days. Pain behavior scores and visual analog scores were significantly greater in control animals over meloxicam-treated animals at all observation periods (P < .05). The Stiffness Score at the time of leaving the chute was significantly different in control animals over meloxicam-treated animals at all observation periods (P < .05). The meloxicam-treated animals had significantly greater movement indices 24 to 96 hours after castration (P < .05). Meloxicam-treated animals had significantly lower swelling than control animals at all observation periods (day 1, day 2, and day 3; P < .05). It is concluded that daily administration of MOS at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg for 3 days significantly reduces postsurgical pain and inflammation in horses for at least 4 days after castration.