Evaluating a Pain-Relief Drug for Lions, Cheetahs and Tigers

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved for use in domestic cats. While generally safe, there is limited information regarding meloxicam's safety and efficacy in non-domestic cats. Population kinetics uses a few data points in the individual animals to determine clinically relevant, species-specific drug dosing. Using this approach, researchers will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of meloxicam in lions, cheetahs and tigers, and determine if current dosing recommendations provide adequate pain control in these animals.