Perioperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Several non-steriodial anti-inflammatory drugs are being employed to successfully control post-operative pain in domestic animals. The differential inhibition of COX isoforms by these NSAIDs results in excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits but these drugs also have a potential for adverse effects under certain conditions, thus assessment of potential adverse effects must also be studied. The selective COX-2 inhibitors work in providing the beneficial effects and minimizing side effects. Meloxicam is one such NSAID used world wide in veterinary peri-operative care because of its beneficial action in reducing inflammation, minimizing exudation and no interference with blood clotting time, renal function and minimal gastric irritation.