Intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate and its effect on horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking.
- Journal Article
Summary
This study investigates the effects of intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion on horses suffering from trigeminal-mediated headshaking. The researchers found that the treatment significantly increased the concentration of magnesium in the blood and notably reduced the occurrence of headshaking in affected horses.
Research Background and Objectives
This research was focused on exploring the behavior of horses affected by trigeminal-mediated headshaking after they receive intravenous infusions of magnesium sulfate. The condition in question, trigeminal-mediated headshaking, is a disorder where low-threshold firing of the trigeminal nerve causes a horse to exhibit signs of facial pain. A key theory this research tests is that magnesium might have a neuroprotective effect that can reduce the symptoms of neuropathic pain.
Methods and Experiment
- The researchers designed a prospective randomized crossover study using six geldings that suffered from trigeminal-mediated headshaking.
- All horses’ diets were regulated and they received intravenous infusions either of a 5% dextrose solution (control case) or a magnesium sulfate solution.
- The occurrence of head-shaking behavior in the horses was recorded at various intervals before and after the administration of the infusions.
- Additionally, a detailed examination of venous blood variables such as pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and glucose concentrations, among others, was conducted at each time point.
Findings and Conclusions
- Several blood variables, including pH, sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium concentrations, showed significant changes after the magnesium sulfate infusion, when compared to the dextrose solution infusion.
- No significant changes were detected in glucose, standard base excess, and bicarbonate concentrations.
- The rate of headshaking was reduced by 29% after the magnesium sulfate treatment, while no change in this behavior was observed after the dextrose solution treatment.
- The study concluded that intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate resulted in higher plasma total and ionized magnesium concentrations and led to a significant decrease in head-shaking behavior in horses afflicted with trigeminal-mediated headshaking.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal / drug effects
- Cross-Over Studies
- Head / physiopathology
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Infusions, Intravenous / veterinary
- Magnesium / blood
- Magnesium Sulfate / administration & dosage
- Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Trigeminal Nerve / pathology
Grant Funding
- Gift from anonymous private donors towards the Equine and Comparative Neurology Research Group
Conflict of Interest Statement
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