The effect of altrenogest, an oral progestin, on hematologic and biochemical parameters in mares.

The research article examined the impact of altrenogest, an oral progestin, on blood and biochemistry parameters in horses over an 86 day period. The results indicated minimal changes to these parameters, most of which were within normal ranges and also observed in control mares not receiving altrenogest.

Overview of the Study

• The research involved twenty mares divided into four groups. The grouping was based on the dosage of altrenogest administered – No altrenogest; 0.044 mg/kg BW; 0.132 mg/kg BW; or 0.220 mg/kg BW.
• The treatment was given daily for a duration of 86 days and careful observation was carried out to monitor the mares’ health and behavior.
• Importantly, no observable signs of illness that could be directly attributed to altrenogest were recorded during the study period.

Examination of Hematologic Parameters

• The researchers analyzed a range of blood parameters, including White and Red Blood Cell count (WBC & RBC), Platelet count, Hemoglobin (Hb), and Packed Cell Volume (PCV).
• Results showed that, despite some differences over time compared to pretreatment averages or among different treatment groups, the changes were either within established normal ranges or also observed in the control mares.
• Therefore, these changes could not be attributed solely to altrenogest.

Evaluation of Biochemical Parameters

• A series of biochemical parameters were studied, including Creatinine, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Total Bilirubin, Cholesterol, Globulin, Sodium (Na), Chloride (Cl), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and Glucose among others.
• Similar to the hematologic parameters, even though there were differences (comparing values over time with pretreatment means or among treatment groups), the variations remained within normal ranges and were also observed in the control group mares.
• Therefore, these changes could not be conclusively linked to altrenogest intake.

Conclusions from Study

• Based on the results of this study, the administration of altrenogest resulted in only occasional increases in certain parameters which were either sporadic or also observed in mares that did not receive altrenogest.
• Thus, the researchers concluded that few of the observed changes in the studied parameters could be directly attributed to altrenogest consumption.