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Effect of Firocoxib and Flunixin Meglumine on Large Colon Mural Thickness of Healthy Horses.
Abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration carries risks of gastrointestinal toxicity. Selective COX-2 inhibitors ("coxibs") were designed to reduce risks of adverse effects but are still associated with gastrointestinal complications in humans. The effect of coxibs on colonic inflammation and integrity in horses is unknown. The study objective was to compare the effects of the coxib firocoxib and the nonselective NSAID flunixin meglumine on ultrasonographic indicators of colonic inflammation in healthy horses. Twelve healthy adult horses were administered flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg IV q12h) and omeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q24h) for 5 days, allowed a 6-month washout period, then administered firocoxib (0.3 mg/kg PO once, then 0.1 mg/kg PO q24h for 4 days) and omeprazole. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination and serum chemistry profiles were performed at the beginning and end of each treatment week. Colon wall thickness increased over time when horses received firocoxib (median post treatment 5.8 mm, interquartile range 2.8 mm; P < .001), but not flunixin (median 3 mm, interquartile range 1.2 mm; P = .7) and was significantly greater following firocoxib compared to flunixin (P = .003). Subjectively, colonic edema was noted more frequently following treatment with firocoxib (11/12 horses), compared to flunixin (1/12 horses). There were no clinically significant alterations in hematologic parameters after administration of either drug. The increase in colon wall thickness following treatment with the COX-2 selective NSAID firocoxib may suggest a risk of subclinical colitis in healthy horses. Monitoring colonic health when NSAIDs are used in a clinical setting is warranted.
Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2023-05-11 PubMed ID: 37172749DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104562Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research focuses on studying the effects of two different Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Firocoxib and Flunixin Meglumine, on the colonic health of healthy horses. It investigates the potential risks of subclinical colitis in horses treated with the specific COX-2 inhibitor, Firocoxib.
Objective and Methodology of the Study
- The paper’s objective is to examine the effects of a coxib (COX-2 inhibitor) called Firocoxib and a nonselective NSAID called Flunixin Meglumine on markers of colonic inflammation in healthy horses through the use of ultrasonography.
- The study involved administering these drugs to twelve adult horses, monitoring them over time, and measuring the thickness of their colon walls before and after each treatment.
- Horses were first given Flunixin Meglumine and Omeprazole for five days, allowed a recovery period of six months, and then given Firocoxib and Omeprazole on another occasion. Regular ultrasonographic examinations were conducted at the start and end of each treatment cycle to monitor changes.
Results of the Study
- The research revealed that colon wall thickness significantly increased in horses following treatment with Firocoxib.
- No such increase was observed when the horses were administered Flunixin Meglumine. The increase in colon wall thickness was statistically greater with Firocoxib, indicating a potential risk of subclinical colitis (inflammation of the colon) in healthy horses treated with this drug.
- In addition, subjectively, more colonic edema (an abnormal accumulation of fluid) was observed in horses following treatment with Firocoxib in comparison to Flunixin.
- No clinically significant changes in hematologic parameters were seen after the administration of either drug.
Implications of the Study
- This study suggests that the administered COX-2 selective NSAID Firocoxib might have side effects on the colonic health of horses, potentially leading to subclinical colitis.
- The findings indicate the necessity for careful monitoring of colonic health when NSAIDs, particularly Firocoxib, are used in a clinical setting.
Cite This Article
APA
Bishop RC, Wilkins PA, Kemper AM, Stewart RM, McCoy AM.
(2023).
Effect of Firocoxib and Flunixin Meglumine on Large Colon Mural Thickness of Healthy Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 126, 104562.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104562 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. Electronic address: rb17@illinois.edu.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Horses
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
- Inflammation / drug therapy
- Inflammation / veterinary
- Omeprazole / adverse effects
- Colon / diagnostic imaging
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Buzelato Carli I, Fielding L. Long-Term Firocoxib Use in Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2025 May-Jun;39(3):e70117.
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