Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effect of Phenylbutazone Administration on Insulin Sensitivity in Horses With Insulin Dysregulation.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Kemp, Kate L et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Science · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Phenylbutazone is prescribed to manage pain caused by hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. Phenylbutazone reduces glucose and insulin concentrations in horses with insulin dysregulation (ID) but the underlying mechanism of action is unknown. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Investigate the effect of phenylbutazone on tissue insulin sensitivity in horses. It is hypothesized that the reduced glucose and insulin concentrations in horses with ID receiving phenylbutazone are mediated by a higher tissue insulin sensitivity. ANIMALS: Fifteen light breed horses, including seven with ID. METHODS: Randomized cross-over study. Horses underwent a modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (mFSIGTT) after 8 days of treatment with phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg IV daily) or placebo (5 mL 0.9% saline IV daily). After a 10-day washout period, horses received the alternative treatment for 8 days and a second mFSIGTT. Minimal model analysis was performed, and the effects of ID status and phenylbutazone were investigated with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: In horses with ID, phenylbutazone increased tissue insulin sensitivity index (median [interquartile range]: 0.39 [0.14-0.74] vs. 0.56 [0.55-1.18] ×10L/mIU/min, p = 0.03), and decreased glucose (21 726 [19 040-24 948] vs. 22 909 [22 496-26 166] mg/dL × min, p = 0.02) and insulin (19 595 [16 147-29 698] vs. 22 752 [20 578-31 826] μIU/mL × min, p = 0.03) areas under the curves. No effect was detected in horses administered placebo. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Phenylbutazone reduces insulin concentration in horses with ID by modulating tissue insulin sensitivity, suggesting that its relevance in the management of ID can extend beyond laminitis-associated pain.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40011055/