Multicenter randomized prospective clinical evaluation of meloxicam administered via transmucosal oral spray in client‐owned dogs

The clinical safety and efficacy of a transmucosal oral spray (TMOS) formulation of meloxicam was evaluated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. A total of 280 client‐owned dogs were enrolled at fourteen veterinary clinics: there were 187 dogs in the meloxicam TMOS group and 93 in the placebo control group. Dogs received placebo or treatment spray once daily for twenty‐eight days. Improvement in signs of osteoarthritis was measured using client‐specific outcome measures (CSOM) made at days 14 and 28 and veterinary assessments of lameness and pain on palpation made at day 28. A significantly higher number of dogs in the meloxicam TMOS group were treatment successes at 28 days (72.6%) compared with the placebo group (46.9%), based on CSOM scores. Total CSOM scores were significantly lower in the meloxicam TMOS‐treated group compared with the placebo group at both 14 and 28 days. Differences between treatment groups were not observed in veterinary assessments. Gastrointestinal effects of meloxicam were observed in some animals. Meloxicam TMOS was found to be safe and effective in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.