Endotoxin-induced hematologic and blood chemical changes in ponies: effects of flunixin meglumine, dexamethasone, and prednisolone.

The research study investigates the effects of certain drugs (flunixin meglumine, dexamethasone, and prednisolone) on blood composition and survival in ponies exposed to endotoxin shock by artificially inducing endotoxin shock from Escherichia coli.

Methods

• The clinical trial involved ponies that were administered endotoxin, a harmful substance produced by certain bacteria (Escherichia coli O55:B5 in this case), resulting in endotoxin shock characterized by alteration in blood chemistry and detrimental changes in the haematological system.
• The ponies were divided into four groups. Group A ponies were given a saline infusion after 5 minutes and at 3 hours following endotoxin administration. Group B ponies were treated with flunixin meglumine at 5 minutes and repeated at intervals up to 24 hours after endotoxin administration. Group C ponies received similar timing of treatment with dexamethasone, while Group D ponies were treated with prednisolone following the same timing as Group B.
• During the process, anesthesia was maintained for up to four hours, after which the ponies were allowed to recover. Blood samples were regularly taken from the animals for haematologic, blood gas, and blood chemistry analysis.

Results

• All four groups exhibited signs of endotoxin effects such as lactic acidosis (high levels of lactic acid in the blood causing muscle pain), coagulation time prolongation, a decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia), increased blood concentration (hemoconcentration), and elevated blood chemical values.
• Though no treatment was able to completely counter the endotoxin effects, flunixin meglumine administration resulted in less severe changes and prolonged the survival time of the ponies compared to those treated with dexamethasone, prednisolone, or saline infusion.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that while none of the treatments evaluated prevented the deleterious effects of endotoxin, the adverse effects were less pronounced and the survival time was prolonged in ponies that received treatment with flunixin meglumine. Therefore, this drug may be a preferred choice in clinical settings for equine patients suffering from endotoxin shock.