Efficacy of domperidone gel in an induced model of fescue toxicosis in periparturient mares.

This is a veterinary study that investigates the use of domperidone in preventing the reproductive issues caused by fescue toxicosis in pregnant horses. The research involved closely monitoring 35 mares and showed that treatment with domperidone effectively managed the condition, resulting in more successful pregnancies and healthier foals compared to the control group.

Evaluation of Domperidone Efficacy

• The aim of this study was to gauge the effect of domperidone in mitigating the reproductive complications linked to fescue toxicosis in periparturient (around the time of birth) mares.
• To induce the symptoms of fescue toxicosis, pregnant mares were fed a diet containing significant amounts of ergovaline, a toxin found in endophyte-infected fescue hay and seed.
• The mares were given this diet starting at least 30 days before their expected foaling date (EFD). The EFD was calculated as 340 days after breeding.
• Out of the total, 35 mares were randomly assigned to the treatment group, receiving either domperidone or a placebo. The treatment started between 10 to 15 days before the EFD and was continued for five days after birth.

Efficacy Measurement and Results

• “Treatment success” was defined as the mare giving birth within 14 days of the EFD, having proper mammary development during foaling, and sufficient lactation for up to five days postpartum.
• The study found considerable disparity between the two groups, with more mares in the domperidone group (92.3%) showing successful treatment than in the placebo group (7.1%).
• The findings show that mares treated with domperidone had a shorter gestation period and better lactation at foaling.
• On the negative side, the study observed that two foals from the control group were stillborn and four others required euthanization shortly after birth, compared to just one foal death in the domperidone group.

Assessment of Immunoglobulin Transfer

• The researchers also measured plasma IgG (immunoglobulins) concentrations in 24 foals as an indicator of successful transfer of immunity from the mares to the foals.
• The study found failure of passive immunity transfer in a large proportion of both the domperidone (81%) and control (88%) groups.

Conclusion

• The conclusion of this study is that treating periparturient mares showing fescue toxicosis symptoms with domperidone can effectively prevent the reproductive symptoms of this condition.