Clinical Pharmacology of Meloxicam in Veterinary Practice: A Review of Its Use in Livestock in North East Nigeria

Meloxicam is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor belonging to the oxicam group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, widely prescribed in veterinary medicine for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In North East Nigeria, including Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states, livestock practitioners use meloxicam for managing musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical analgesia, and fever in cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. This review examined published pharmacological studies, regional field reports, and treatment outcome data relevant to meloxicam use in livestock species in the North East geopolitical zone. Findings from the literature indicate that meloxicam administered at 0.5 mg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously achieves therapeutic plasma concentrations within one hour and maintains them for up to 24 hours in cattle. Studies reviewed demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to flunixin meglumine in experimental models of bovine endotoxaemia. Gastrointestinal side effects reported in monogastric species appear significantly less pronounced in ruminants due to buffering by rumen contents. Renal effects including reduced prostaglandin-mediated glomerular filtration were identified as potential risks in dehydrated or hypovolaemic animals. The review identifies gaps in local pharmacokinetic data for camel and donkey populations in the North East. Recommendations are made for rational meloxicam prescribing protocols tailored to North East Nigeria's livestock context and available formulations. Keywords: meloxicam, NSAID, livestock, pharmacology, North East Nigeria.