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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract / Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use in Horses.
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2017; 33(1); 1-15; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2016.11.001

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use in Horses.

Abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents and are arguably the most commonly used class of drugs in equine medicine. This article provides a brief review of the mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects associated with their use in horses. The use of COX-2 selective NSAIDs in veterinary medicine has increased over the past several years and special emphasis is given to the use of these drugs in horses. A brief discussion of the use of NSAIDs in performance horses is also included.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2017-02-09 PubMed ID: 28190614DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2016.11.001Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the use, effects, and function of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in horses, particularly focusing on COX-2 selective NSAIDs, along with a brief mention of their impact on performance horses.

Mechanism of Action

  • The article reviews the mode of function of NSAIDs in managing inflammation and providing analgesic relief. It is noted in the literature that these drugs effectively inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which leads to a decrease in the production of prostaglandins – chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

Therapeutic Uses

  • NSAIDs are frequently applied in equine medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties make them beneficial for a range of conditions in horses, including musculoskeletal injuries, colic (abdominal pain), postoperative pain, and other inflammatory diseases.

Pharmacokinetics

  • The article delves into the pharmacokinetics of NSAIDs in the equine body, focusing on how the drugs are assimilated, distributed, metabolized, and eventually excreted in horses. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of NSAIDs enables better therapeutic management and increases the effectiveness of these drugs.

Adverse Effects

  • While NSAIDs are highly beneficial, the research paper accentuates the possible adverse effects that can occur with their use. These effects may include gastrointestinal ulcers, renal toxicity, and potential alteration in platelet function. Thus, careful management of drug dosage is crucial to avoid adverse events.

COX-2 Selective NSAIDs

  • The paper underscores the increased use of COX-2 selective NSAIDs in veterinary medicine over recent years. These drugs selectively inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, which produces prostaglandins; they therefore have less of an effect on the COX-1 enzyme and are associated with less gastrointestinal toxicity. The literature mentions the use of these selective NSAIDs in horse medicine, with a focus on the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Use of NSAIDs in Performance Horses

  • Lastly, the paper briefly discusses the use of NSAIDs in performance horses. These drugs, with their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, may potentially impact the horse’s performance. The considerations involved in using NSAIDs in these horses – pertaining to ethical, regulatory, and health concerns – are briefly touched upon.

Cite This Article

APA
Knych HK. (2017). Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use in Horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 33(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2016.11.001

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 33
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-15

Researcher Affiliations

Knych, Heather K
  • K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 620 West Health Science Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Electronic address: hkknych@ucdavis.edu.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horses

Citations

This article has been cited 16 times.
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