Clinical evaluation of meloxicam versus ketoprofen in cats suffering from painful acute locomotor disorders

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and palatability of meloxicam 0.5 mg/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 (0.5 mg/ml oral suspension) at 0.1 mg/kg on day 1 followed by 0.05 mg/kg q 24 h on days 2–5, or ketoprofen 5 mg tablets at 1.0 mg/kg q 24 h 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.