DATE: February 8, 2017
TIME: 3:00pm PT, 6:00pm ET

Meloxicam is an analgesic NSAID commonly used in mice. Anecdotal evidence supports the use of alternative delivery methods for analgesics in food pellets, gel supplements, and injectable sustained release(SR) formulations as ways to achieve long-term analgesia with less frequent handling; potentially minimizing pain and distress. However, objective data comparing the efficacy of these different alternative approaches is lacking in the literature. We conducted a pilot study comparing the efficacy and blood levels of Meloxicam administration by these three alternative delivery methods in a surgical model (osmotic pump placement), using the manufacturer’s recommended dosing. Unfortunately, all three alternative delivery methods failed to deliver adequate pain control at the given doses, suggesting further studies are needed to determine effective dosing for Meloxicam when administered by alternative delivery methods. Here we aim to discuss the challenges of pain control in mice, share our findings with the research community, and determine which (if any) of these alternative dosing methods are currently being used for Meloxicam in research settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the most recommended methods for admnistration of Meloxicam in mice
• Identify three alternative delivery methods for admistration of Meloxicam in mice and discuss their efficacy