Ovariohisterektomi Öncesinde Köpeklerde Preoperatif Meloksikam ve Firokoksibin Uygulamasının Postoperatif Analjezi ve İnflamatuvar Belirteçler Üzerine Etkisi

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 3, 772 - 780, 31.10.2025

Osman Alp Şahin , Buse Öztürk , Aslıhan Ayalp , Barış Güner

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, ovariohisterektomi (OHE) uygulanan köpeklerde meloksikam ve firokoksibin postoperatif analjezik ve anti-inflamatuvar etkilerini değerlendirmektir. Materyal ve Yöntem: Otuz sağlıklı dişi köpek rastgele üç gruba ayrıldı: 0.2 mg/kg subkutan meloksikam, 5 mg/kg oral firokoksib veya preoperatif nonsteroid anti-inflamatuar ilaç uygulanmayan kontrol grubu. Glasgow Bileşik Ağrı Ölçeği – Kısa Formu (CMPS-SF), rektal sıcaklık ve kalp atım hızı operasyon öncesinde ve postoperatif 1., 2., 3., 4. ve 24. saatlerde kaydedildi. Aynı zaman dilimlerinde kan örnekleri alınarak kortizol düzeyleri ile nötrofil/lenfosit oranı (NLR), trombosit/lenfosit oranı (PLR) ve sistemik immün-inflamasyon indeksi (SII) değerlendirildi. Bulgular: CMPS-SF skorları postoperatif 1. saatte tüm gruplarda anlamlı şekilde arttı (p<0.05) ve kontrol grubunda en yüksek düzeyde gözlendi. Skorlar 4. saatte de yüksek seyretti. Kortizol düzeyleri postoperatif 1. saatte yaklaşık 4 kat, 2. saatte 5 kat, 4. saatte ise tekrar 4 kat arttı ve 24. saatte bazal düzeye döndü (p<0.05). Rektal sıcaklık ve kalp atım hızı, operasyon sonrası erken dönemdeki başlangıç düşüşünü takiben preoperatif değerlere doğru kademeli bir artış gösterdi (p<0.05). Kurtarma analjezisi üç köpeğe uygulandı: iki köpek firokoksib grubunda, bir köpek ise kontrol grubundaydı. 24. saatte NLR ve SII değerleri kontrol grubunda tedavi gruplarına göre anlamlı olarak daha yüksekti (p<0.05). Ancak, postoperatif ilk 4 saat boyunca gruplar arasında CMPS-SF skoru ve kortizol düzeyleri açısından anlamlı fark gözlenmedi. Sonuç: Meloksikam ve firokoksib, OHE sonrası 24. saatte sistemik inflamatuvar yanıtı azaltmada etkili bulunmuştur. Erken postoperatif dönemde ağrı skorları ve kortizol düzeyleri bakımından gruplar arasında anlamlı fark olmamasına rağmen, meloksikam grubunda, firokoksib grubuna kıyasla daha az ek analjezi uygulamasına ihtiyaç duyulmuştur.

Keywords

ağrı , firokoksib , köpek , meloksikam , NLR

Project Number

Balıkesir University Scientific Research Projects Unit (Reference No: 2023/004)

Administration of Preoperative Meloxicam and Firocoxib on Postoperative Analgesia and Inflammatory Markers in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of meloxicam and firocoxib in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy female dogs were randomly assigned to three groups: 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneous meloxicam, 5 mg/kg oral firocoxib, or no preoperative non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (control). The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale – Short Form (CMPS-SF), rectal temperature, and heart rate were recorded preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 hours postoperatively. Blood samples were collected at each time point to assess cortisol levels and calculate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Results: CMPS-SF scores significantly increased at 1 hour postoperatively in all groups (p<0.05), with the control group showing the highest pain scores. Scores remained elevated at 4 hours. Cortisol levels increased approximately 4-fold at 1 hour, 5-fold at 2 hours, and 4-fold at 4 hours postoperatively, returning to baseline by 24 hours (p<0.05). Rectal temperature and heart rate exhibited a gradual increase toward preoperative values following an initial decrease in the early postoperative period. Rescue analgesia was required in three dogs—two in the firocoxib group and one in the control group. At 24 hours, NLR and SII were significantly higher in the control group compared to the treatment groups (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between groups in CMPS-SF scores or cortisol levels during the first 4 postoperative hours. Conclusion: Both meloxicam and firocoxib were effective in reducing systemic inflammatory responses at 24 hours post-OHE. Although there were no significant differences in early postoperative pain scores or cortisol levels, meloxicam group required fewer instances of rescue analgesia compared to the firocoxib group.

Keywords

dog , firocoxib , meloxicam , NLR , pain

Ethical Statement

The Balıkesir University Animal Care Committee approved all procedures in this experiment (Reference Number: 2022/8-7 and date of approval: 27.10.2022).

Supporting Institution

Balıkesir University Scientific Research Projects Unit

Project Number

Balıkesir University Scientific Research Projects Unit (Reference No: 2023/004)

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Dr. Melike Cetin and Dr. Cetin Bozkurt.

References

• Akkuş T. & Ekici M., (2023). Investigation of changes in serum thiols and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio indices in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Rev Cient Fac Cienc Vet, 33, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e33260
• Anonymous (1): Get the facts about pain relievers for pets | FDA. http://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets, Date of access; 01.06.2023.
• Camargo, J. B., Steagall, P. V.M., Minto, B. W., de Sá Lorena, S. E. R., Mori, E. S. & Luna, S. P. L. (2011). Post-operative analgesic effects of butorphanol or firocoxib administered to dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg, 38, 252-259. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2011.00609.x
• Caulkett, N., Read, M., Fowler, D. & Waldner, C. (2003). A comparison of the analgesic effects of butorphanol with those of meloxicam after elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Can Vet J, 44, 565.
• De Souza, C. C. F., Martins Dias, D. P., Souza, R. N. de & Medeiros, M. A. de. (2018). Use of behavioural and physiological responses for scoring sound sensitivity in dogs. PLoS One, 13, e0200618. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0200618
• Devitt, C. M., Cox, R. E. & Hailey, J. J. (2005). Duration, complications, stress, and pain of open ovariohysterectomy versus a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 227, 921–927. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2005.227.921
• Díaz, M. & Becker, D. E. (2010). Thermoregulation: Physiological and clinical considerations during sedation and general anesthesia. Anesth Prog, 57, 25–33. https://doi.org/10.2344/0003-3006-57.1.25
• Espadas-González, L., Usón-Casaús, J. M., Pastor-Sirvent, N., Santella, M., Ezquerra-Calvo, J. & Pérez-Merino, E. M. (2023). Using complete blood count-derived inflammatory markers to compare postoperative inflammation in dogs undergoing open or laparoscopic ovariectomy. Vet Rec, e2835. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.2835
• Grandemange, E., Fournel, S. & Woehrlé, F. (2013). Efficacy and safety of cimicoxib in the control of perioperative pain in dogs. J Small Anim Pract, 54, 304–312. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12082
• Gruet, P., Seewald, W. & King, J. N. (2013). Robenacoxib versus meloxicam for the management of pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue surgery in dogs: A randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial. BMC Vet Res, 9, 92. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-92
• Gurney, M. A. (2012). Pharmacological options for intra-operative and early postoperative analgesia: An update. J Small Anim Pract, 53, 377–386. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01243.x
• Hanson, P. & Maddison, J. (2008). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotective agents. Small Animal Clinical Pharmacology, 5, 287.
• Hernández-Avalos, I., Valverde, A., Ibancovichi-Camarillo, J. A., Sánchez-Aparicio, P., Recillas-Morales, S., Osorio-Avalos, J., Rodríguez-Velázquez, D. & Miranda-Cortés, A. E. (2020). Clinical evaluation of postoperative analgesia, cardiorespiratory parameters and changes in liver and renal function tests of paracetamol compared to meloxicam and carprofen in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. PLoS One, 15, e0223697. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223697
• Hu, X. Y., Luan, L., Guan, W., Shi, J., Zhao, Y. B. & Fan, H. G. (2017). Tolfenamic acid and meloxicam both provide an adequate degree of postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet Med-Czech, 62, 333–341. https://doi.org/10.17221/143/2016-VETMED
• Kalchofner Guerrero, K. S., Campagna, I., Bruhl-Day, R., Hegamin-Younger, C. & Guerrero, T. G. (2016). Intraperitoneal bupivacaine with or without incisional bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg, 43, 571–578. https://doi.org/10.1111/vaa.12348
• Karakaya Bilen, E., Karadağ, M. A., Akgül, G. & Gülendağ, E. (2025). Comparison of acute phase and haemostatic responses following ovariohysterectomy via midline or flank approach in dogs. Pak Vet J, 45(2), 866–872. http://doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.152
• Kim, Y. K., Lee, S. S., Suh, E. H., Lee, L., Lee, H. C., Lee, H. J. & Yeon, S. C. (2012). Sprayed intraperitoneal bupivacaine reduces early postoperative pain behavior and biochemical stress response after laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Vet J, 191, 188–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.02.013
• Kona-Boun, J. J., Cuvelliez, S. & Troncy, E. (2006). Evaluation of epidural administration of morphine or morphine and bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia after premedication with an opioid analgesic and orthopedic surgery in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 229, 1103–1112. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.229.7.1103
• Kum, C., Voyvoda, H., Sekkin, S., Karademir, U. & Tarimcilar, T. (2013). Effects of carprofen and meloxicam on C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen concentrations in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Am J Vet Res, 74, 1267–1273. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.10.1267
• Lascelles, B. D. X., Cripps, P. J., Jones, A. & Waterman-Pearson, A. E. (1998). Efficacy and kinetics of carprofen, administered preoperatively or postoperatively, for the prevention of pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet Surg, 27, 568–582. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.1998.tb00533.x
• Leece, E. A., Brearley, J. C. & Harding, E. F. (2005). Comparison of carprofen and meloxicam for 72 hours following ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Vet Anaesth Analg, 32, 184–192. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00207.x
• Mastrocinque, S., Almeida, T. F., Tatarunas, A. C., Imagawa, V. H., Otsuki, D. A., Matera, J. M. & Fantoni, D. T. (2012). Comparison of epidural and systemic tramadol for analgesia following ovariohysterectomy. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc, 48, 310–319. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5795
• Mastrocinque, S. & Fantoni, D. T. (2003). A comparison of preoperative tramadol and morphine for the control of early postoperative pain in canine ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg, 30, 220–228. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2995.2003.00090.x
• McCann, M. E., Andersen, D. R., Zhang, D., Brideau, C., Black, W. C., Hanson, P. D. & Hickey, G. J. (2004). In vitro effects and in vivo efficacy of a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in dogs with experimentally induced synovitis. Am J Vet Res, 65, 503–512. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.503
• Morgan, C. J. A. & Curran, H. V. (2012). Ketamine use: A review. Addiction, 107, 27–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03576.x
• Nenadović, K., Vučinić, M., Radenković-Damnjanović, B., Janković, L., Teodorović, R., Voslarova, E. & Becskei, Z. (2017). Cortisol concentration, pain and sedation scale in free roaming dogs treated with carprofen after ovariohysterectomy. Vet World, 10, 888–894. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2017.888-894
• Nunamaker, E. A., Stolarik, D. F., Ma, J., Wilsey, A. S., Jenkins, G. J. & Medina, C. L. (2014). Clinical efficacy of sustained-release buprenorphine with meloxicam for postoperative analgesia in beagle dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci, 53, 494–501.
• Pollmeier, M., Toulemonde, C., Fleishman, C. & Hanson, P. D. (2006). Clinical evaluation of firocoxib and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Vet Rec, 159, 547–551. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.159.17.547
• Reid, J., Nolan, A., Hughes, J., Lascelles, D., Pawson, P. & Scott, E. (2007). Development of the short-form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF) and derivation of an analgesic intervention score. Anim Welfare, 16, 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1017/S096272860003178X
• Slingsby, L. S. & Waterman-Pearson, A. E. (2001). Analgesic effects in dogs of carprofen and pethidine together compared with the effects of either drug alone. Vet Rec, 148, 441–444. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.148.14.441
• Srithunyarat, T., Höglund, O. V., Hagman, R., Olsson, U., Stridsberg, M., Lagerstedt, A. S. & Pettersson, A. (2016). Catestatin, vasostatin, cortisol, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, scores of the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale and visual analog scale for stress and pain behavior in dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy. BMC Res Notes, 9, 219. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-016-2193-1
• Teixeira, R. C. R., Monteiro, E. R., Campagnol, D., Coelho, K., Bressan, T. F. & Monteiro, B. S. (2013). Effects of tramadol alone, in combination with meloxicam or dipyrone, on postoperative pain and the analgesic requirement in dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg, 40, 641–649. https://doi.org/10.1111/vaa.12080
• Tsai, T. Y., Chang, S. K., Chou, P. Y. & Yeh, L. S. (2013). Comparison of postoperative effects between lidocaine infusion, meloxicam, and their combination in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg, 40, 615–622. https://doi.org/10.1111/vaa.12064
• Ugwu, N., Eze, C. & Udegbunam, R. (2017). Evaluation of haematological and serum biochemical changes associated with constant rate infusion tramadol hydrochloride as an adjunct to ketoprofen in laparotomized and ovariohysterectomized dogs. Comp Clin Path, 26, 1135–1140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-017-2498-z
• Wilson, J. E., Chandrasekharan, N. V., Westover, K. D., Eager, K. B. & Simmons, D. L. (2004). Determination of expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 isozymes in canine tissues and their differential sensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Am J Vet Res, 65, 810–818.
• Yilmaz, O., Korkmaz, M., Jaroszewski, J. J., Yazici, E., Ulutas, E. & Saritas, Z. K. (2014). Comparison of flunixin meglumine and meloxicam influence on postoperative and oxidative stress in ovariohysterectomized bitches. Pol J Vet Sci, 17, 493–499. https://doi.org/10.2478/pjvs-2014-0071
• Zanuzzo, F. S., Teixeira-Neto, F. J., Teixeira, L. R., Diniz, M. S., Souza, V. L., Thomazini, C. M. & Steagall, P. V. M. (2015). Analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of dipyrone, meloxicam or a dipyrone-meloxicam combination in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet J, 205, 33–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.05.004