Comparison of flunixin meglumine and meloxicam for post operative management of horses with strangulating small intestinal lesions.
Authors: Naylor R J, Taylor A H, Knowles E J, Wilford S, Linnenkohl W, Mair T S, Johns I C
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Following strangulating small intestinal lesions, post-operative NSAID selection significantly impacts recovery outcomes, yet clinical evidence comparing specific agents has been limited. This 2014 study investigated whether the theoretical advantages of meloxicam, a COX-2-preferential inhibitor with potentially less damaging effects on intestinal mucosa, translated into better clinical results than flunixin meglumine in horses recovering from colic surgery. Researchers compared post-operative pain management and healing parameters in horses treated with either drug following naturally occurring strangulating small intestinal lesions, examining both inflammatory markers and clinical recovery metrics. The findings provide practising veterinarians with evidence-based guidance on NSAID selection during the critical post-operative period when intestinal integrity and healing capacity are compromised. For farriers, physiotherapists and nutritionists supporting post-operative rehabilitation, understanding which anti-inflammatory regimen optimises mucosal recovery helps inform realistic timelines for return to work and dietary management protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Meloxicam may be a safer NSAID choice than flunixin meglumine for post-operative analgesia in horses recovering from strangulating small intestinal surgery, based on differential effects on intestinal healing
- •Consider COX-2 preferential NSAIDs when managing post-operative pain in colic cases with compromised intestinal tissue
- •Evidence suggests NSAID selection matters beyond just pain control—drug choice may influence healing outcomes in damaged bowel
Key Findings
- •Study compares COX-2 preferential inhibitor meloxicam against non-selective NSAID flunixin meglumine in post-operative management of strangulating small intestinal lesions
- •Ex vivo evidence suggests meloxicam may have less detrimental effect on intestinal healing compared to flunixin meglumine
- •Clinical translation of laboratory findings to naturally occurring strangulating small intestinal lesions in horses was unknown at time of study