Does Intravenous Ondansetron Affect the Intestinal Motility Pattern in Healthy Donkeys (Equus asinus)?

The research article investigates the impact of ondansetron, a type of medication, on the intestinal movements of healthy donkeys. Results revealed that the drug led to significant decreases in contractions across numerous sections of the intestine, supporting its potential use in treating spasmodic colic in equines.

Research Overview and Methodology

• The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ondansetron on small and large intestinal motility in donkeys using non-invasive transabdominal ultrasonography.
• The study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study that involved thirty healthy donkeys, gender balanced with 15 males and 15 females.
• The participating donkeys underwent two trials: they were administered saline solution (a placebo) in the first test, and then with ondansetron hydrochloride in the second.
• Contractility measurements for sections of the small (duodenum and jejunum) and large (left colon, right colon, and cecum) intestines were obtained prior to administration (zero time) and at several intervals post-administration (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes).

Results and Findings

• The findings indicate significant changes in the contractility of both small and large intestines when ondansetron was administered as opposed to the normal saline solution.
• Specifically, there was a noticeable reduction in duodenal, jejunal, and cecal activities between 30 and 120 minutes after ondansetron administration, compared to the placebo.
• Similarly, ondansetron administration caused significant declines in left colon and right colon contractility between 30 and 180 minutes post-administration when compared with the placebo.

Implications and Recommendations