Abstract
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which carries known adverse effects, including gastrointestinal ulceration and acute renal injury. These side effects are dose-dependent (both in absolute dose and dosing interval), and vary greatly among species, emphasizing the importance of pharmacokinetic investigation prior to widespread use.1 Historically, use of NSAIDs in dolphins has been associated with rare fatal perforation of the connecting channel between the fundic chamber and pylorus; therefore caution has kept this class of drugs from widespread use in cetaceans.6 We hypothesize that cetaceans have an altered metabolism of this class of drugs, which may contribute to their apparent sensitivity.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Ten adult dolphins were administered a single oral dose of meloxicam at 0.1 mg/kg. Each animal contributed between three and seven serial blood samples at time points 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, and 240 hours. No adverse hematological, biochemical or clinical changes were noted during the study period. Results revealed a peak plasma level (Cmax) of 0.96 ug/mL; time to peak concentration (Tmax) of 10.3 hours; and an elimination half-life of 79.5 hours. This research suggests that a single oral dose at 0.1 mg/kg provides a peak plasma level similar to what is considered therapeutic in other species.2,3 However, clearance of meloxicam in cetaceans appears significantly slower than in other species,4,5 and detectable drug levels were present for over 10 days.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Drs. John Traversi and Stephanie Venn-Watson of the National Marine Mammal Foundation, and Dr. Steve Budsberg of University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
* Presenting author
+ Student presenter
Literature Cited
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