Efficacy of enflicoxib for postoperative pain and inflammation in soft tissue surgery in dogs: a multicenter and randomized clinical field trial.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that a single dose of enflicoxib is noninferior to daily carprofen for the control of pain and inflammation in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery.

METHODS

A prospective, multisite, blinded, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, noninferiority field study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of enflicoxib in the control of pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue surgery. Two hundred fifteen dogs were randomized to receive 8 mg/kg of enflicoxib PO the day before surgery or 4 mg/kg of carprofen SC at induction and PO daily for 5 days. Veterinarians assessed efficacy with the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (SF-GCPS) at 2, 5, 8, and 24 hours and 2, 3, and 5 days after surgery. The visual analog scale was used to assess inflammation. Demeanor, analgesia, and mobility were assessed daily by the owners.

RESULTS

Enflicoxib was noninferior to carprofen in the SF-GCPS area under the curve for the first 48 hours. Inflammation and SF-GCPS total scores were within the clinically relevant margin at each time point. No differences were observed in inflammation or in the owner assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Enflicoxib administered 24 hours before surgery is safe and efficacious for the control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A single preoperative dose of enflicoxib is an alternative for postoperative management in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery, offering a simplified treatment regimen without compromising outcomes.