Enrofloxacin induces mild and transient vascular alterations following regional limb perfusion in horses.
Abstract: Regional intravenous limb perfusion (RILP) is widely used in equine practice for achieving high local antimicrobial concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. However, certain drugs, including enrofloxacin, have been associated with vascular irritation and thrombosis, and their thrombogenic potential remains poorly characterized. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of enrofloxacin administered via RILP in the cephalic vein of clinically healthy horses. Methods: Ten adult horses underwent RILP in both forelimbs: the right limb received 10 % enrofloxacin (1.5 mg/kg) diluted in 0.9 % NaCl to a total volume of 20 mL, while the left limb served as control (0.9 % NaCl, 20 mL). Clinical, thermographic, and ultrasonographic assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after tourniquet removal, and 24 and 48 hours post-RILP. Statistical comparisons were made between treatments and time points (p < 0.05). Results: No alterations in vital parameters were observed. No temperature differences occurred between limbs, although transient bilateral increases were detected immediately after tourniquet removal. Ultrasonography revealed temporary reductions in venous lumen diameter, returning to baseline within 24 hours in both groups. In the treated group, venous wall thickening was detected in six horses, and one developed mild thrombophlebitis. All lessons were resolved within 48 hours. Conclusions: A single administration of enrofloxacin via RILP in the cephalic vein induced only mild and transient vascular changes, suggesting a low thrombogenic potential in healthy adult horses.
Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2026-01-06 PubMed ID: 41506557DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105777Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This study investigated whether administering enrofloxacin through regional intravenous limb perfusion (RILP) in horses causes blood vessel irritation or clotting.
- The results showed only mild, short-lived vascular changes, indicating that enrofloxacin has a low risk of causing thrombosis when used in this way in healthy horses.
Background
- Regional Intravenous Limb Perfusion (RILP): A technique commonly used in horses to deliver high concentrations of antibiotics directly to a limb, minimizing overall drug exposure in the body.
- Enrofloxacin: An antibiotic known to sometimes cause irritation or blood clots when administered intravenously, but its risk profile during RILP was not well-defined.
- The study aimed to clarify if enrofloxacin causes harmful vascular effects, specifically thrombosis or vein irritation, when used via RILP.
Methods
- Subjects: Ten adult clinically healthy horses participated in the study.
- Procedure: Each horse received treatment in both forelimbs – the right limb was treated with enrofloxacin (1.5 mg/kg diluted to 20 mL), while the left limb got a saline solution as a control.
- Assessment Techniques:
- Clinical examination of horses’ vital signs
- Thermography to measure limb surface temperature
- Ultrasonography to visualize vein dimensions and wall thickness
- Timing: Evaluations done before treatment (baseline), immediately after tourniquet removal, and at 24 and 48 hours post-RILP.
- Comparisons: Data from treated limbs were compared with control limbs and across different time points, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
- Vital Parameters: No changes observed, indicating the procedure was generally safe.
- Temperature:
- No significant temperature difference between treated and control limbs.
- A temporary increase in temperature occurred immediately after removing the tourniquet in both limbs, likely due to reperfusion.
- Ultrasonography Observations:
- Both groups showed a temporary decrease in the vein’s internal diameter, returning to normal within 24 hours.
- Wall thickening of veins was seen in six horses’ treated limbs, suggesting mild inflammation or irritation.
- One horse developed mild thrombophlebitis (inflammation with clot formation), but this resolved within 48 hours.
Conclusions
- Single-dose enrofloxacin given by RILP caused only mild and transient vascular alterations.
- The drug’s thrombogenic (clot-forming) potential appears low when used in healthy adult horses under these conditions.
- These findings support the continued use of enrofloxacin in limb perfusion techniques with minimal risk of lasting vascular complications.
Cite This Article
APA
Valente TC, Mendes RP, Miguel EL, Rafael LA, Ribeiro GSN, Souza AF, Fonteque JH.
(2026).
Enrofloxacin induces mild and transient vascular alterations following regional limb perfusion in horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 158, 105777.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105777 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Avenida Luiz de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC, Brazil, 88.520-000.
- Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Avenida Luiz de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC, Brazil, 88.520-000.
- Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Avenida Luiz de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC, Brazil, 88.520-000.
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Avenida Ipiranga, s/n, Campus Universitário, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil, 96160-000.
- Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Avenida Luiz de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC, Brazil, 88.520-000.
- Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Avenida Luiz de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC, Brazil, 88.520-000.
- Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Avenida Luiz de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC, Brazil, 88.520-000. Electronic address: joandes.fonteque@udesc.br.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Enrofloxacin / adverse effects
- Enrofloxacin / administration & dosage
- Horses
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
- Female
- Male
- Forelimb / blood supply
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
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