Abstract

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been used both orally and intramuscularly in numerous avian species, but not studied, to date, in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus).^1,2,3 The study describes the pharmacokinetic parameters of meloxicam after oral and intramuscular administration to African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). Several pilot studies were conducted initially where meloxicam (1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg) was given intramuscularly to four birds, and orally (1 mg/kg) to two birds. Based on pilot study results, one group of 8 penguins was given meloxicam 0.5 mg/kg intramuscularly, and one group of 8 penguins was given 1 mg/kg orally. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 11 time intervals per group after administration of meloxicam.⁴ Meloxicam Tmax, Cmax, and t1/2 after intramuscular administration were 0.93 h, 9.11 µg/ml, and 32 h while oral administration produced a Tmax, Cmax, and t1/2 of 13.3 h, 11.81 µg/ml, and 34 h, respectively. Based on plasma meloxicam concentrations found to be therapeutic in other bird species and humans, the recommended dosage and frequency for African penguins is 1 mg/kg orally every 48 hours and 0.5 mg/kg intramuscularly every 24 hours.^5,6 Further studies are needed to determine the multiple dose pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in African penguins.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Megan Klose for all of their time and effort. Funding was provided by the Companion Animal Fund Grant, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine.

* Presenting author
+ Student presenter

Literature Cited

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3.  Speer B, et al. 2016. Recognition, assessment, and management of pain in birds. In: Speer B, eds. Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery. 1st ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; p. 622–630.

4.  Molter CM, Court MH, Cole GA, Gagnon DJ, Hazarika S, Paul-Murphy J. 2013. Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam after intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration of a single dose to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Am J Vet Res. 74(3):375–380.

5.  Cole GA, Paul-Murphy J, Krugner-Higby L, Klauer JM, Medlin SE, Keuler NS, Sladky KK. 2009. Analgesic effects of intramuscular administration of meloxicam in Hispaniolan parrots (Amazona ventralis) with experimentally induced arthritis. Am J Vet Res. 70(12):1471–1476.

6.  Regenthal R, et al. 1999. Drug levels: therapeutic and toxic serum/plasma concentrations of common drugs. J Clin Monit Comput. 15(7–8):529–544.