Comparative Effects of Meloxicam and Phenylbutazone on Clinical Outcomes and Acute Phase Response in Sheep with Acute Respiratory Disease

The ovine respiratory complex (ORC) is one of the most common respiratory diseases observed in sheep. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (meloxicam and phenylbutazone) for the treatment of the ORC. For this purpose, 33 Ossimi sheep were randomly assigned into three treatment groups (11 each). Group 1 was treated with amoxicillin long-acting (LA) and meloxicam, group 2 received amoxicillin LA and phenylbutazone, and group 3 was treated with amoxicillin LA alone. Sheep were examined clinically and clinical index scores were recorded before and after treatment. Additionally, blood samples were collected from each sheep. After 14 days of treatment, sheep of group 1 indicated significant improvements in their clinical index scores and a reduction in total leukocyte count. However, there was a significant increase in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and MCHC%. There was a significant decrease in the serum globulin, copper, and haptoglobin in group 1, compared to sheep of groups 2 and 3. Based on the results of this study, administering meloxicam to sheep with an ovine respiratory complex resulted in significant improvements in clinical outcomes and significant corrections in above mentioned hematological and biochemical parameters. Although phenylbutazone proved to be less effective, it still demonstrated some degree of efficacy in treating this condition. This study suggests that meloxicam may be a more effective treatment option for ORC with phenylbutazone. Keywords: Acute phase protein, Amoxicillin, Anti-inflammatory, Ovine respiratory complex