Uwagie-Ero, E.A., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kene, R.C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
To determine if Cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) functions in fracture healing, 10 dogs were treated with COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Celecoxib) to reduce and stop COX-2-dependent prostaglandin production. Radiographic testing evaluation determined that fracture healing was not affected in dogs treated with a low dose of COX-2-selective NSAIDs (celecoxib) and delayed union was observed in dogs treated with a high dose of COX-2-selective NSAIDs (celecoxib). Celecoxib dose of 5 mg/kg/day did not affect fracture callus formed in the study group and did not cause a significant increase in the proportion of delayed unions, however, at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day it reduced the rate of fracture callus formation and significantly increased the proportion of delayed unions for dogs in the group.