Cisapride in the prophylaxis of equine post operative ileus.

This research article investigates the use of a drug called cisapride in preventing a condition known as post-operative ileus, a disruption of normal bowel movement, in horses that have undergone surgery.

Research Method and Case Studies

• The study was conducted with both experimental and clinical cases. Initially, post-operative ileus was induced in three ponies as the experimental cases. Both cisapride and another drug, domperidone, were used to test their efficacy in restoring normal bowel function. They were observed for the restoration of electrical and mechanical activity in the intestine, coordination between the activity cycles of the stomach and small intestine, as well as the normal transit time from the stomach to the anus.
• In addition, 22 clinical cases that required surgery for colic disorders were treated with cisapride. The dosage was 0.1 mg per kg of body weight, injected intramuscularly, for three to eight doses. The researchers wanted to test whether cisapride could effectively prevent post-operative ileus in these cases.

Research Findings

• Both cisapride and domperidone were effective for the experimental ponies, suggesting they could be potent treatments for post-operative ileus in equines.
• Cisapride was also successful in preventing post-operative ileus in the 22 clinical cases. The side effects noticed after the use of cisapride were increased bowel sounds and slight, temporary sounds of discomfort.
• In a further 16 cases where anastomosis or enterotomy procedures were carried out, no negative side effects were observed following the administration of cisapride. Anastomosis refers to surgical connection between two parts, while enterotomy is surgical incision into the intestine.

Conclusion

• Overall, the study suggests that cisapride is a safe and effective drug for preventing post-operative ileus in horses. It has minimal side effects and appears to restore normal bowel function effectively after surgery in both experimental and real-world clinical scenarios. Further research with larger sample sizes may validate the findings of this study and support the routine use of cisapride in equine surgical practices.