Robenacoxib versus meloxicam following ovariohysterectomy in cats: A randomised, prospective clinical trial involving owner‐based assessment of pain

Hillen, Florence; Polson, Sally; Yates, David; Watkinson, Rachel; White, Kate

Abstract

Background
Injectable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to queens undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH), but the requirement for postoperative administration is unclear and practices vary. Existing studies assessing efficacy rely on pain scoring by experienced clinicians. However, following OVH, most cats are discharged within hours of recovery.

Methods
Cats undergoing OVH were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: MEL and ROB. Cats in the MEL group (n = 76) received meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) and those in the ROB group (n = 65) received robenacoxib (2 mg/kg). Owners were contacted by a blinded assessor 3 days postoperatively and asked to identify physical or behavioural changes and to assign pain scores using a numerical rating scale.

Results
More cats in the ROB group displayed abnormal behaviours than cats in the MEL group (p = 0.03). Most owners assigned a pain score of 0 (72%) (n = 101), but pain scores were significantly higher in the ROB group than in the MEL group (p = 0.005).

Limitation
Methods of owner assessment of pain in cats have not been validated.

Conclusions
Both meloxicam and robenacoxib are effective in controlling postoperative pain. Meloxicam may have improved efficacy in certain patient populations. Applying a blanket approach to prescribing NSAIDs to cats undergoing OVH postoperatively may not be necessary. This has safety, environmental and cost implications.

Citation

Hillen, F., Polson, S., Yates, D., Watkinson, R., & White, K. (in press). Robenacoxib versus meloxicam following ovariohysterectomy in cats: A randomised, prospective clinical trial involving owner‐based assessment of pain. Veterinary Record, Article e3264. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3264

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 5, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jul 26, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 17, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 2, 2023
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Article Number: e3264
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3264
• Keywords: General Veterinary; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/23207479
• Additional Information: Florence Hillen and Sally Polson should be considered joint first authors.