The effect of sedation on D(+)-xylose absorption tests in 6 normal horses.
Abstract: D(+)-xylose absorption tests are commonly performed when investigating suspected small intestinal malabsorption in the horse. The test involves the administration of a D(+)-xylose solution via a nasogastric tube followed by serial blood sampling to determine its rate of absorption. In some horses, nasogastric intubation cannot be safely performed without prior administration of a sedative. Due to its short duration of action, the α(2) agonist xylazine is commonly used for this purpose. However, α(2) agonists have also been reported to influence the rate of gastric emptying as well as small intestinal motility patterns. Objective: To evaluate if prior sedation with xylazine would influence the rate of absorption of D(+)-xylose in 6 normal Standardbred horses in a randomised cross-over study. Methods: D(+)-xylose was administered by nasogastric intubation at a dose rate of 0.5 g/kg bwt given as a 10% solution with water while xylazine was administered iv at a dose rate of 0.5 mg/kg bwt. A heparinised blood sample was collected prior to administration of D(+)-xylose (and xylazine when used) and then at 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 240 min following administration. Samples were immediately analysed using a modified colorimetric micro method. The cumulative amount of D(+)-xylose absorbed at each time point with and without prior sedation were. The significance rate was set at P<0.05. Results: The study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the amount of D(+)-xylose absorbed between sedated and unsedated animals, although there was a tendency for a less rapid initial uptake with prior sedation. Conclusions: This study suggests that prior sedation with xylazine will not significantly affect the result of a D(+)-xylose absorption test in the normal horse.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-08-04 PubMed ID: 21790771DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00374.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Controlled Clinical Trial
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigated whether sedating horses with xylazine influences the absorption rate of D(+)-xylose during intestinal absorption tests. It concluded there is no significant impact of the sedative on the tests’ results.
Overview of the Research
- The study focuses on D(+)-xylose absorption tests used widely to diagnose small intestinal malabsorption in horses.
- The process involves administering D(+)-xylose solution into a horse’s stomach through a nasogastric tube.
- The absorption rate of D(+)-xylose is then determined by carrying out blood tests at regular intervals.
- In some cases, it is necessary to sedate the horse before the procedure. The common choice of sedative is α(2) agonist xylazine due to its short duration of action.
The Purpose of the Study
- The researchers examined how using the sedative might affect the absorption rate of D(+)-xylose.
- This concern stems from previous reports showing that α(2) agonists, the type of drugs that xylazine belongs to, can affect the rate of gastric emptying and alter small intestinal motility patterns.
Testing methods
- The research involved standardbred horses. The dose rates were 0.5 g/kg body weight for D(+)-xylose and 0.5 mg/kg body weight for xylazine.
- Blood samples were collected at regular intervals – before dosing, then at 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 240 minutes after dosing. These samples were analyzed immediately using a colorimetric micro method.
- The cumulated amount of D(+)-xylose absorbed over time was compared with and without sedation.
Results and Conclusion
- The results found no statistically significant difference in the absorption of D(+)-xylose between the sedated and non-sedated horses.
- There was a trend towards a slower initial uptake after sedation, but it wasn’t significant enough to impact the test results.
- Based on these findings, the study concludes that prior sedation with xylazine doesn’t significantly affect the results of a D(+)-xylose absorption test in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Fintl C, Ihler CF.
(2011).
The effect of sedation on D(+)-xylose absorption tests in 6 normal horses.
Equine Vet J Suppl(39), 149-152.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00374.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norway. Constanze.Fintl@nvh.no
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Conscious Sedation / veterinary
- Cross-Over Studies
- Drug Interactions
- Gastric Emptying / drug effects
- Gastric Emptying / physiology
- Horses / metabolism
- Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage
- Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
- Xylazine / administration & dosage
- Xylazine / pharmacology
- Xylose / pharmacokinetics
Citations
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