Comparison of the efficacy of firocoxib and carprofen in clinical use for canine coxofemoral osteoarthritis

Abstract

Firocoxib and carprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are used in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. This study evaluated the efficacy and provided information of these NSAIDs in clinical practice. Sixteen healthy dogs of large breeds over 5 years old without systemic diseases and pregnancy that had coxofemoral osteoarthritis were divided into 2 groups, firocoxib group (n=9) and carprofen group (n=7). The study was conducted for 16 weeks. Firocoxib (5mg/kg body weight) or carprofen (4.4mg/kg body weight) was administered to all dogs once daily for 2 weeks, on alternate days for 6 weeks and every 2 days for 8 weeks. Of all samples, serum OA biomarkers (hyaluronan (HA) and chondroitin sulfate epitope WF6), hematological profiles together with physical, orthopedic and radiographic examination, passive range of motion measurement, pain and lameness scoring, urinalysis, fecal examination and owner preference scoring were assessed. Evaluations of the study took place at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Although the serum WF6 levels of the firocoxib group were gradually increased until week 12 and decreased at week 16 and those of the carprofen group were decreased at week 2 and then gradually increased until week 16, the levels of WF6 revealed that the chondroprotective effect of firocoxib and carprofen was still indistinct. Passive range of motion (ROM) measurement revealed evidences of increased hip flexion of the firocoxib group at weeks 2, 4 and 16 (p < 0.05) and increased hip extension of the carprofen group at weeks 2, 8 and 12 (p < 0.05). These improved ranges of motion indicated that both NSAIDs ameliorated the clinical signs.