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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Am Vet Med Assoc / Update on the use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal...
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2017; 250(11); 1271-1274; doi: 10.2460/javma.250.11.1271

Update on the use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in horses.

Abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and are highly effective for the treatment of pain and inflammation in horses. There are 2 clinically relevant isoforms of COX. Cyclooxygenase-1 is constitutively expressed and is considered important for a variety of physiologic functions, including gastrointestinal homeostasis. Thus, NSAIDs that selectively inhibit COX-2 while sparing COX-1 may be associated with a lower incidence of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Various formulations of firocoxib, a COX-2-selective NSAID, labeled for use in horses are available in the United States. Equine practitioners should know that the FDA limits the use of firocoxib to formulations labeled for horses, regardless of price concerns. In addition, practitioners will benefit from understanding the nuances of firocoxib administration, including the importance of correct dosing and the contraindications of combining NSAIDs. Together with knowledge of the potential advantages of COX-2 selectivity, these considerations will help veterinarians select and treat patients that could benefit from this new class of NSAID.
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Publication Date: 2017-05-17 PubMed ID: 28509650PubMed Central: PMC5588883DOI: 10.2460/javma.250.11.1271Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article provides an updated understanding of the usage of cyclooxygenase-2-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in horses, and discusses their advantages over non-selective NSAIDs in terms of lower gastrointestinal side effects.

Introduction to Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Cyclooxygenase (COX)

  • The research first mentions Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, NSAIDs, which inhibit Cyclooxygenase (COX) and provide a highly effective treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions in horses.
  • Two isoforms of COX are of clinical importance – COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is structurally expressed and is crucial for the physiological functions such as gastrointestinal balance in horses.

COX-2-selective NSAIDs Advantage

  • The paper points out that NSAIDs that selectively inhibit COX-2 without inhibiting COX-1 could be linked with less incidence of negative gastrointestinal side effects. This makes them potentially safer for the horses’ wellbeing.
  • Among these, firocoxib is a COX-2-selective NSAID that has been approved for use in horses in the United States.
  • The FDA limits the use of firocoxib only to formulations that have been labelled specifically for horses, irrespective of cost issues, underscoring its safety and specificity for equine treatment.

Importance of Correct Administration

  • Besides highlighting the importance of using the correct formulations, the paper also underscores the need for the right dosage of firocoxib and warns against the contraindications of combining NSAIDs.

Summary and Application

  • Through understanding the potential benefits of COX-2 selectivity, paired with correct administration knowledge, veterinarians will be better equipped in choosing appropriate treatment options for horses that could benefit from this new class of NSAID.

Cite This Article

APA
Ziegler A, Fogle C, Blikslager A. (2017). Update on the use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 250(11), 1271-1274. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.250.11.1271

Publication

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN: 1943-569X
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 250
Issue: 11
Pages: 1271-1274

Researcher Affiliations

Ziegler, Amanda
    Fogle, Callie
      Blikslager, Anthony

        MeSH Terms

        • 4-Butyrolactone / administration & dosage
        • 4-Butyrolactone / analogs & derivatives
        • 4-Butyrolactone / therapeutic use
        • Administration, Oral
        • Animals
        • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
        • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
        • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / administration & dosage
        • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use
        • Drug Compounding
        • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
        • Horses
        • Species Specificity
        • Sulfones / administration & dosage
        • Sulfones / therapeutic use
        • Veterinary Drugs

        Grant Funding

        • P30 DK034987 / NIDDK NIH HHS
        • T32 DK007737 / NIDDK NIH HHS

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