Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in critically ill horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Cook, Vanessa L & Blikslager, Anthony T
- Affiliation:
- From the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looks at the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in critically ill horses. These medications can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which is important for sick horses. However, they can also cause serious side effects, especially affecting the stomach and kidneys, particularly in horses that are already in poor health or dehydrated. The review offers valuable insights for veterinarians about the pros and cons of using both traditional NSAIDs and newer options that specifically target certain enzymes. Overall, while NSAIDs can be beneficial, careful consideration is needed due to their potential risks.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the physiology of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes with reference to the beneficial effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) related to their analgesic and antiendotoxic properties as well as the mechanisms responsible for adverse gastrointestinal, renal, and coagulation effects. DATA SOURCES: Human and veterinary peer reviewed literature VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS: NSAIDs are frequently administered to critically ill horses for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, NSAIDs have significant side effects principally on the gastrointestinal mucosa and kidneys. These side effects may be exacerbated in critically ill horses if they have gastrointestinal damage or are volume depleted CONCLUSIONS: This review provides important information for equine veterinarians and criticalists on the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional NSAIDs and newer equine COX-2 selective NSAIDs for the management of different conditions in critically ill horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25521286/