Evaluation of weight-bearing in the limbs of dogs with osteoarthritis treated with oral or transmucosal meloxicam

• Grant number: 24/21764-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Denise Tabacchi Fantoni
• Grantee: Letícia Martucci de Azevedo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition in dogs, characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, leading to chronic pain and functional limitations. Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is widely used for managing pain associated with this condition. This study aims to evaluate weight bearing through baropodometry in dogs with appendicular osteoarthritis treated with oral or transmucosal meloxicam. Eighteen dogs will be selected and divided into two groups: one group will receive meloxicam administered orally in tablet form, while the other group will receive the drug as a transmucosal spray. Clinical, orthopedic, and laboratory assessments, as well as baropodometry and pain evaluations, will be performed before and after treatment. The results of this study may clarify the effects of different meloxicam administration routes on improving weight-bearing in the affected limb of dogs with osteoarthritis.