Does non-steroidal anti-inflammatories: does carprofen or meloxicam have fewer gastrointestinal side effects?

PICO question

In canines, does the oral administration of carprofen, when compared to meloxicam, result in fewer gastrointestinal side effects?

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

Three prospective randomised controlled trials were critically reviewed

Strength of evidence

Weak

Outcomes reported

Treatment with carprofen or meloxicam results in no significant difference in gastric lesion scoring, increased intestinal mucosal permeability or diminished small bowel absorptive capacity

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence supporting preferential administration of carprofen or meloxicam to reduce gastrointestinal side effects

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision-making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care