Protocol of premedication with Vetcoxib® in neurosurgical interventions in small companion animals: results of a prospective controlled study

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous administration of Vetcoxib® (containing 20 mg/ml of robenacoxib) as part of an opioid‑free premedication regimen for neurosurgical procedures in dogs and cats. Materials and methods. A prospective controlled study (n = 30) was conducted: experimental groups (n = 20): dogs (n = 10) and cats (n = 10) receiving premedication with Vetcoxib® + adjuvants; control group (n = 10): standard premedication (maropitant + antibiotic) without NSAIDs or opioids. The following parameters were assessed: intraoperative parameters (sevoflurane dose, hypotension); early postoperative period (pain, time to first food intake, vomiting); long‑term outcomes (relapses, neurological status, quality of life). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann‑Whitney U‑test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results. In the experimental groups: a 25…30 % reduction in sevoflurane dose (p < 0.001; no cases of hypotension (0 %, compared to 30 % hypotension in the control group, p < 0.01); a five‑fold reduction in the need for additional analgesics (0…10 % vs 50 % in the control group, p < 0.001); a 55…63 % decrease in pain intensity (p < 0.0001); a 65…70 % reduction in time to first food intake (p < 0.001). At the 6‑month follow‑up: an improvement in quality of life of 23…27 % (compared to 12…16 % in the control group p < 0.001). Conclusion. The opioid‑free protocol with Vetcoxib® demonstrates high efficacy and safety, and is recommended for implementation in veterinary practice for neurosurgical interventions in ASA I–II patients out contraindications to NSAIDs.