Effects of phenylbutazone alone or in combination with flunixin meglumine on blood protein concentrations in horses.

The research study evaluates the impact of single and combined nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatments on blood protein levels in horses, hinting at potential health risks associated with combination therapy.

Objective of the Study

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of phenylbutazone (PBZ), alone or in combination with flunixin meglumine, on the levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations in horses’ blood.

Study Design and Procedure

• The study involved a total of 24 adult horses.
• Thirteen of these horses were treated with NSAIDs in a crossover treatment design, and the remaining 11 served as controls and were subjected to similar environmental conditions.
• Those undergoing treatment received either PBZ alone (2.2 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 5 days) or a combination of PBZ (same dosage) and flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg intravenously every 12 hours for 5 days).
• Serum samples were taken from the horses on the first day of treatment (day 0) and on the fifth day. These samples were then analyzed to measure total protein, albumin, and globulin levels.

Study Outcomes

• One horse facing combined treatment developed severe hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and colitis and had to be euthanised.
• Statistical comparisons revealed no significant differences between the control group and horses treated with PBZ alone regarding protein levels in the blood.
• There was, on the other hand, a significant difference detected between the control group and horses treated with the combination of PBZ and flunixin meglumine.
• When outliers with values greater than 2 standard deviations from the mean were adjusted, there were significant differences in terms of protein levels between the control group and horses treated with both the combination and PBZ alone, as well as between the combination group and PBZ alone.
• Gastroscopic examination of four horses revealed severe gastric ulcers in the group receiving the combination NSAID treatment.

Conclusion and Implications

• The findings of this study highlight the potential risks associated with combination NSAID treatment in horses, as it resulted in significantly reduced blood protein concentrations and induced gastric ulcers.
• The researchers conclude that caution should be taken when considering combination NSAID treatment for horses, as the potential negative health impacts may outweigh any therapeutic benefits these drugs could offer.