Colonic perforation and pneumoperitoneum secondary to meloxicam administration in a dog

Abstract

An 8‐year‐old female spayed Labrador Retriever presented with severe pneumoperitoneum but exhibited minimal clinical signs. The dog initially received oral meloxicam for dental disease, later sustained a cranial cruciate rupture and underwent a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Therefore, meloxicam was continued for 7 weeks. Abdominal radiographs confirmed free abdominal gas, and celiotomy identified a single perforating colonic ulcer as the source of the pneumoperitoneum. The lesion was debrided and closed. Postoperatively, the dog made an uncomplicated recovery. Histopathology of the debrided tissue revealed ulceration without evidence of neoplasia. The clinical findings, surgical outcome, histopathology and drug history strongly suggest meloxicam‐induced colonic ulceration as the underlying cause. This case highlights that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐related gastrointestinal perforation can affect the colon, causing severe pneumoperitoneum, and that colonic ulceration must be considered during NSAID therapy. Absence of clinical signs and patients’ stability might guide prognosis in septic conditions.