Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dose of Oral and Intramuscular Meloxicam in African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
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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