The Antinociceptive Effect of Magnesium Sulphate Administered in the Epidural Space in Standing Horses.
Abstract: To study the antinociceptive properties of epidural magnesium sulphate (MgSO) in standing horses Experimental, placebo-controlled, masked, cross-over A group of six healthy horses Through an epidural catheter, 1 mg kg MgSO (treatment Mg) diluted to a volume of 15 mL or the same volume of saline (treatment S) was administered over 15 minutes. Electrical, thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were determined on the pelvic limb before and 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 minutes after the start of the injection. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory frequency (f) were recorded every 10 minutes. Blood samples were collected before treatment and every 30 minutes throughout the study period. Data were assessed for normality using a Shapiro-Wilk test. A linear mixed model with horse as random effect and time, treatment and their interaction as fixed effects was used. Treatments were compared at 20, 60, 120 and 180 minutes using the Wilcoxon rank sum test stratified for horse (global α = 0.05, with Bonferroni correction α = 0.0125). Epidural MgSO caused a significant increase in the electrical threshold (mA) (P = .0001), but no significant differences in thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds. During the injection of MgSO two horses collapsed. One stood up within 20 minutes and was able to continue the study, the second one was excluded. A significant difference was found for HR at T180 (Mg 44 ± 23 beats minute; S 32 ± 9 beats minute) (P = .0090). Epidural administration of MgSO caused an increase in the electrical threshold of the pelvic limbs of horses. Caution is warranted however, as with the current dose, 2 horses collapsed.
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Publication Date: 2022-12-30 PubMed ID: 36592662DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104202Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
- Veterinary
Summary
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The research investigates the pain-relieving effects of epidurally administered magnesium sulphate in standing horses. However, caution is advised as the current dosage caused two horses to collapse.
Research Methodology
- The researchers used an experimental, placebo-controlled, masked, cross-over methodology on a group of six healthy horses.
- Magnesium sulphate or a saline placebo was administered epidurally over a period of 15 minutes, through an epidural catheter.
- Both the electrical, thermal and mechanical pain thresholds of the horses’ pelvic limbs were evaluated before and at various intervals after the start of the injection. Additionally, heart rate and respiratory frequency were also recorded at regular intervals.
- Blood samples were also retrieved before and throughout the experiment.
- The data was analysed using a Shapiro-Wilk test and a linear mixed model, and the outcomes of the different treatments compared at specific time intervals using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.
Key Findings
- Epidural administration of magnesium sulphate led to a significant increase in the electrical pain threshold. This points to the substance’s antinociceptive, or pain-relieving, properties.
- No significant differences were noted in the thermal and mechanical pain thresholds of the horses.
- Two of the horses collapsed during the injection of magnesium sulphate. However, one of them regained their footing within 20 minutes and was able to continue with the study.
- A significant difference was found in the horses’ heart rate at 180 minutes – those who had received the magnesium sulphate showed an increase in heart rate.
Implications
- This study suggests that while magnesium sulphate may have antinociceptive effects when administered epidurally, it should be used cautiously due to potential side-effects such as temporary collapse in the subject.
- The findings also indicate that the substance has a significant impact on the heart rate of the subject, which should be monitored closely.
Cite This Article
APA
La Rosa L, Twele L, Duchateau L, Gasthuys F, Kästner SB, Schauvliege S.
(2022).
The Antinociceptive Effect of Magnesium Sulphate Administered in the Epidural Space in Standing Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 123, 104202.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104202 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium. Electronic address: lavinia.larosavet@gmail.com.
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Analgesics / pharmacology
- Anesthesia, Epidural / veterinary
- Epidural Space
- Heart Rate
- Horses
- Magnesium Sulfate / pharmacology
- Cross-Over Studies
Citations
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