Dose Reduction of Meloxicam in Dogs with Osteoarthritis-Associated Pain and Impaired Mobility

Background: Progressive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) dose reduction appears logical; however, there is no evidence-based medicine indicating that efficacy is maintained as dose is reduced. Objective: To determine if NSAID dose can be reduced and pain relief and mobility can be maintained in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Animals: Client-owned dogs (n = 59) with OA-associated impaired mobility and pain. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded study. After 14 days wash-out, dogs were randomized to reducing dose (RDG) (n = 30) or maintenance dose (MDG) (n = 29). MDG received standard dose meloxicam. RDG received a reducing dose from D28 onward, reducing to 0% of maintenance for the final 2 weeks. Assessments were at D14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98 and 112 using subjective owner assessments, accelerometry (AM), and standing percent body weight distribution (% BW). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve described how dogs dropped out because of insufficient pain control. A Log-rank test compared the groups. Results: More dogs in RDG (13) dropped out because of owner-evaluated insufficient pain control compared with MDG (5) (P =.029; odds ratio: 3.67; median dropout time: 84 days in each group). For the dogs that did not drop out (n = 41), there were no significant differences between groups in owner assessments (P > .2 for each), % BW placed on the index limb (P = .750), or accelerometer-measured activity (P = .14). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Dose reduction is a less effective means of pain control compared with maintained dosing. However, NSAID dose reduction with maintained efficacy is possible, but success appears to be individual dog dependent.