Assessment of Renal Biomarkers in Dogs Receiving Long-Term Meloxicam Therapy in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including meloxicam are commonly prescribed for long-term management of osteoarthritis and chronic musculoskeletal pain in older companion dogs. Prolonged NSAID therapy carries the risk of nephrotoxicity, particularly in animals with pre-existing renal compromise, dehydration, or concurrent nephrotoxic drug use. Monitoring renal function during long-term NSAID therapy is therefore a critical component of safe chronic pain management. This study assessed renal biomarkers at baseline and monthly over six months in 30 dogs receiving long-term meloxicam therapy at veterinary clinics in Ibadan, Oyo State. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, symmetric dimethylarginine, and urinary protein to creatinine ratio were measured at each time point. Urinalysis and blood pressure measurement were performed monthly. Symmetric dimethylarginine, a sensitive early marker of glomerular filtration rate decline, was elevated above baseline in 16.7 percent of dogs by month three of therapy. Serum creatinine became elevated in 10 percent of dogs by month six. Urinary protein to creatinine ratio increased significantly in 20 percent of dogs. Dogs with pre-existing borderline renal function showed the greatest deterioration over time. Dose reduction and concurrent fluid support improved renal parameters in three dogs showing early azotaemia. These findings support the routine integration of symmetric dimethylarginine and urinary protein to creatinine monitoring into long-term NSAID therapy protocols at Nigerian companion animal practices to enable early detection and management of nephrotoxic effects. Keywords: meloxicam, nephrotoxicity, SDMA, dogs, renal monitoring.