Prophylactic efficacy of phenytoin, acetazolamide and hydrochlorothiazide in horses with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis.
Abstract: Horses with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis were challenged with an oral dose of potassium chloride, and the prophylactic efficacy of phenytoin, acetazolamide and hydrochlorothiazide was evaluated, with at least three weeks separating the trials of each drug. After the administration of potassium chloride without prophylactic medication the horses' clinical signs ranged from generalised fine muscle fasciculations to gross tremors, and weakness with occassional prolapse of the nictitating membrane; plasma potassium concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01) from 4.0 +/- 0.2 to 6.0 +/- 1.01 mmol litre-1. After treatment with acetazolamide the administration of potassium chloride resulted in a significant (P < 0.02) increase in plasma potassium from 3.7 +/- 0.3 to 4.5 +/- 0.4 mmol litre-1 and two of five horses showed clinical signs unless the dosage was increased from 2.2 to 4.4 mg kg-1 twice daily. Three of the four horses treated with hydrochlorothiazide showed clinical signs but their plasma potassium did not rise significantly (3.6 +/- 0.3 to 4.6 +/- 1.0 mmol litre-1). None of the five horses treated with phenytoin showed clinical signs despite a significant increase in plasma potassium from 3.8 +/- 0.6 to 5.3 +/- 1.1 mmol litre-1 (P < 0.05). In general the clinical signs were not correlated consistently with the plasma levels of potassium, and phenytoin appeared to prevent the clinical signs in spite of the hyperkalaemia.
Publication Date: 1995-09-01 PubMed ID: 8525115DOI: 10.1016/0034-5288(95)90039-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study examines the effectiveness of three different drugs (phenytoin, acetazolamide, and hydrochlorothiazide) in preventing symptoms of hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis, a muscular disorder in horses, triggered by potassium chloride.
Objective of the Study
- The main aim of this research was to evaluate the prophylactic, or preventative, effects of three drugs: phenytoin, acetazolamide, and hydrochlorothiazide on horses with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis. This disease is characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood which leads to muscle weakness or paralysis.
- The researchers induced the symptoms of the disease in the horses by giving them an oral dose of potassium chloride. Then, they observed the effectiveness of each drug, with at least three weeks separating the different drug trials.
Method and Findings
- Without any preventative medication, administration of potassium chloride resulted in symptoms ranging from minor muscle tremors to severe weakness, with a significant increase in the concentration of potassium in the horse’s plasma.
- Following treatment with acetazolamide, administration of potassium chloride resulted in increased plasma potassium levels, with two out of five horses showing clinical signs of hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis, unless the dosage was doubled.
- With hydrochlorothiazide treatment, three out of four horses showed clinical signs, but there was no significant change in their plasma potassium levels.
- However, none of the horses that received phenytoin showed clinical signs despite a significant increase in plasma potassium levels.
Conclusion
- The clinical signs of the disorder were not consistently correlated with potassium plasma levels. Despite the high potassium levels, phenytoin was able to prevent the clinical signs of the disease. This suggests that phenytoin can be effectively used to manage hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis in horses, highlighting its potential as a preventative treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Beech J, Lindborg S.
(1995).
Prophylactic efficacy of phenytoin, acetazolamide and hydrochlorothiazide in horses with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis.
Res Vet Sci, 59(2), 95-101.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0034-5288(95)90039-x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Acetazolamide / therapeutic use
- Animals
- Diuretics / therapeutic use
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Hydrochlorothiazide / therapeutic use
- Hyperkalemia / complications
- Hyperkalemia / prevention & control
- Hyperkalemia / veterinary
- Male
- Orchiectomy
- Paralysis / etiology
- Paralysis / prevention & control
- Paralysis / veterinary
- Phenytoin / therapeutic use
- Potassium / blood
Citations
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