Effects of intra-articular injections of bufexamac suspension in healthy horses.

This research article investigates the effects of administering bufexamac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, directly into the joints of healthy horses. The study found no significant adverse effects, suggesting this treatment could provide a safe method for managing inflammation in horses.

Study Design and Methods

• The research involved 20 Standardbred horses, divided into four groups.
• Each group received intra-articular injections (injections into the joint) of either 20, 60 or 100 mg of bufexamac, or a sterile saline solution (the control group).
• These injections were administered at weekly intervals over a course of 6 weeks.
• Different tests were performed to observe the effects of treatment, including clinical observations, hematologic and serum biochemical analyses, synovial fluid analyses and radiography.
• After the 6-week trial period, all the horses were euthanized to enable further examination, particularly of the internal organs and articular (joint) tissues.
• The concentration of glycosaminoglycan, a compound important for the health of cartilage, was measured in the articular cartilage using a microspectrophotometric method.

Results of the Study

• No systemic changes were observed in the horses, meaning there were no observed effects on the body as a whole.
• Minor heat and swelling were noted in a number of the joints after injection, but this was temporary and occurred more frequently in the 100 mg group.
• A notable change in synovial fluid was a marked increase in white blood cell (WBC) counts and high protein levels, particularly on first day post-injection in the highest dosage group.
• Upon examination of internal organs and articular tissues, no lesions or toxic effects were detected suggesting the bufexamac did not cause significant damage or health issues.
• No changes were identified in the concentration of glycosaminoglycan in the articular cartilage, implying the drug had no impact on this aspect of joint health.

Conclusions

• In conclusion, the researchers found that multiple injections of bufexamac – up to 100 mg – did not result in any significant adverse systemic or local effects.
• The study therefore suggests that bufexamac could be a safe and effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for intra-articular administration in horses.