For all patients, including avian patients, reducing pain and inflammation is a crucial component of medical and surgical care. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of data regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-inflammatory medications in birds. Because of their heightened sensitivity to the harmful effects of steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently a better option for birds due to their distinct biochemical mechanisms of action.
Dr. Wilson showed that the IV meloxicam T 1/2 was 4 hours and that the PO 14 7 hours. It’s interesting to note that the T 1/2 seems to be inversely correlated with weight, meaning that the larger the bird, the shorter the T 1/2 Put another way, larger birds might require a higher daily dose.
Two different studies used oral and intravenous administration of meloxicam. The dose administered was 0. 5 mg/kg orally or IV. To find the drug’s half-life (T) and bioavailability, blood levels were measured and samples were obtained safely.
Given that NSAIDs are being utilized in veterinary and human medicine more and more Dr. Nemetz has been using Meloxicam and Celecoxib for a few years, with varying degrees of success. This might not be the drug’s fault; instead, it could be the result of different dosage schedules, the unique species being treated, or the wrong drug choice for a particular inflammatory or pain process. Previous anecdotal dosing was suggested at 0. 2-0. 3 mg/kg PO q 12-24hr. This study suggests a higher dosage range of 0. 5 -1. 0 mg/kg PO q 12hr or 0. 25 0. 5 mg/kg IV every 4 hours in accordance with the various T 1/2 Given orally with food also increases the drugs bioavailability. As more options are investigated to help our avian patients deal with inflammatory conditions brought on by illness, trauma, or surgical events, more work needs to be done.
Of the 20 birds used in this study, none showed any obvious clinical side effects. Bioavailability was 20100% when administered intravenously and nearly 20100% when administered orally in conjunction with food.
FAQ
Does meloxicam make birds sleep?
What are the side effects of Metacam in parrots?
What is Metacam used for in birds?
Why is my bird acting sleepy?