Serum cortisol concentration in horses with heaves treated with fluticasone proprionate over a 1 year period.

This research studies the impact of long-term use of the drug fluticasone proprionate on cortisol levels in horses suffering from heaves, a chronic respiratory condition. It found that horses treated with fluticasone had significantly lower cortisone levels compared to those managing the condition through antigen avoidance alone.

Study Overview and Methodology

The study was focused on analyzing the effects of the long-term usage of a drug called fluticasone proprionate on cortisol concentrations in horses affected by ‘heaves’, a chronic respiratory disease. The research involved 11 horses undergoing treatment for heaves. These horses were administered with fluticasone daily at doses necessary to improve their lung function. The treatment was carried out for 1 year.

In addition to the drug treatment, a comparison group of horses were managed using antigen avoidance alone. Antigen avoidance is a method used in the management of allergies and related conditions where the possible triggers causing the allergic reactions are identified and attempts are made to avoid or reduce exposure to those triggers.

• The measurement of morning serum cortisol in horses was taken before the start of the treatment, and again after 10, 30, 110, 190, 230, 280, and 320 days of the treatment.
• An extra measurement of cortisol was made on the afternoon of the 330th day of the experiment.

Results

The study found that cortisol was significantly lower in horses treated with Fluticasone on the 30th, 110th, and 190th days when compared to the group managed with antigen avoidance only. Cortisol measured on the 330th day also showed a significant reduction in the Fluticasone group.

Conclusions

The study concluded that administering inhaled fluticasone at therapeutic dosages can significantly suppress serum cortisol concentrations for a period ranging between 8-24 hours. However, the researchers noted that the clinical significance of the finding is yet to be ascertained, as there were no clinical signs associated with this cortisol suppression. This highlights the need for further research to understand the potential impacts of such a suppression on the overall health and well-being of the horses.