Administration of meloxicam to cows experiencing dystocia does not increase the incidence of retained placenta

Abstract

The post partum use of analgesics in cows has increased in consequence to society's increased awareness of animal welfare. However, it is known that the post partum administration of a subset of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to cows may lead to an increased rate of retained placenta. Therefore, the aim of this study was clarify, whether a single administration of meloxicam to cows that experienced dystocia results in an increased rate of this disease. The study was conducted in 63 Holstein-Friesian cows in 4 farms with random allocation into 2 groups: In animals of the treatment group (n = 27) a single subcutaneous injection of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg) was administered within 2-8 hours after calving. The animals of the control group (n = 36) received the same volume of a bovine infusion solution (Amynin®, bovine infusion solution, Boehringer Ingelheim) subcutaneously. A clinical examination of the cows was performed on the day of parturition and on the 21st day post partum. Findings on the days in between were obtained by questioning of the farmers. The exact Fisher-test was calculated in order to test for statistical differences between the treatment and control groups. In cows of the treatment group, retained placenta was not observed more frequently than in cows of the control group. A single administration of meloxicam to cows that experienced dystocia does not increase the incidence of retained placenta.