Determination of subacute toxicity of an injectable meloxicam-based drug in dogs

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the subacute toxicity of the veterinary drug Loxidev in dogs. 1 ml of the drug contains the active substance: meloxicam – 20 mg, excipients – glycine, sodium hydroxide, meglumine, and water for injection – up to 1 ml. The drug Loxidev, based on meloxicam, is used in diseases of European fallow deer, treatment of animals for non-infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system (acute aseptic myositis to reduce symptoms of lameness and inflammation), as well as for diseases of the respiratory system (in the case of appropriate antibiotic therapy). Red deer: treatment of animals for non-infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis of the metatarso-metatarsal joint to reduce symptoms of lameness and inflammation). It was established that subcutaneous administration of the drug Loxidev (solution for injection) to dogs in doses of 0.03; 0.15 and 0.3 ml/kg of body weight for 3 days in general does not affect the clinical and biochemical parameters of the blood and does not cause hepato- and nephrotoxic effects on the animal body under the conditions of a subacute toxicological experiment. The exceptions were the tendencies to reduce the concentration of total hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte count, as well as a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the number of leukocytes by 6.6 %, respectively, relative to the control in the blood and an increase (P < 0.05) in the enzymatic activity of ALT and AST and the concentration of urea in the blood serum of dogs after three days of administration of the drug at a dose of 0.30 mg/kg of body weight by 19.4; 19.3 and 14.5 %, respectively, however, 7 days after discontinuation of the drug, these indicators did not significantly differ from the control. Further research directions will include the following: studying the long-term effects of meloxicam on the body of dogs to determine possible cumulative effects when used in long-term therapeutic courses; analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the identified toxic effects, for example, effects on enzyme systems, oxidative stress or immunological reactions; expanding studies with an emphasis on the specific effects of the drug on the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and digestive tract, which are the primary targets for NSAIDs; studying the effects of meloxicam on animal reproductive function, embryo development and potential risks to offspring.