Efficacy of postoperative oral tepoxalin after decompressive surgery in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

Abstract

Twenty-three client-owned dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) treated by decompressive
surgery were included in this study. The dogs were assigned to postoperative medication protocols of tepoxalin (10
mg/kg, SID) for 2 weeks (8 dogs, group 1), of tepoxalin (10 mg/kg, SID) for 6 weeks (7 dogs, group 2), and of carprofen
(2 mg/kg, BID) for 2 weeks (8 dogs, group 3). Gait function after decompressive surgery of the dogs was evaluated by
force plate analysis (FPA) and questionnaires filled out by their owners. FPA was performed before surgery, and at 4
days, 6 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. Peak vertical (Fz+), braking (Fy+), and propulsive forces (Fy-), and also
pelvic/thoracic (P/T) limb ratio of Fz+ (P/TFz+), Fy+ (P/TFy+), and Fy- (P/TFy-) were determined. Questionnaires were
completed by the owners before surgery, and at 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. During the period of the study,
the Fz+, Fy+ and Fy- of the most affected pelvic limb were not different among the groups. The P/TFy- decreased at 4
days after surgery in all groups, but the difference was not significant. At 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery, there
was no significant difference in the P/TFy- of the dogs in groups 1, 2, and 3. From the questionnaires, the majority of
owners were moderately to very satisfied with the result of surgery. In conclusion, tepoxalin has similar postoperative
anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy to carprofen in dogs with DLS that undergo decompressive spinal surgery.