Efficacy and safety of cimicoxib in the control of perioperative pain in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of cimicoxib (Cimalgex®; Vétoquinol SA) for the control of perioperative pain in dogs. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, controlled multi-centre field study was conducted in 237 dogs undergoing orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery. Pain was monitored by the attending veterinarian over the 7 days following the surgical procedure using two pain-scoring systems and a visual analogue scale. An enhanced monitoring protocol for postoperative pain was utilized during the first 24 hours after surgery. The dog owner's assessment of perceived analgesia during this time period was also recorded. RESULTS: Cimicoxib demonstrated statistically significant non-inferiority compared to carprofen. These findings were confirmed by owners' assessments and by the evolution of the pain scores. Both drugs were well tolerated throughout the study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cimicoxib had non-inferior efficacy and tolerability when compared to carprofen for the control of perioperative pain in dogs undergoing orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery.