EFFECTS OF FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE ON PLASMA P ROSTANOID CONCENTRATIONS INCOLIC HORSES WITHIN THE PERIOPERATIVE TIMEFRAME

In the present study the significance of eicosanoids in the developmen t of shock in horses on the basis of ileus has been investigated using the prostanoids thromboxane B-2 (TXB2) and prostaglandine E-2 (PGE(2) ) as indicators. The prostanoid synthesis inhibitor flunixin meglumine was to be examined regarding its efficacy in the effective blockade o f the synthesis of these mediators within the peri-operative timeframe as well as its effects on clinical signs and laboratory parameters. 2 1 horses suffering from ileus and ready for surgical intervention rece ived an intravenous flunixin dosis of 1,1 mg/kg body weight immediatel y after the initial examination and prior to the surgical procedure. 2 0 colic horses receiving surgical treatment without application of the drug served as control group. Reference data concerning the approxima te standard plasma levels of the prostanoids were determined in 10 hea lthy horses. Plasma levels of thromboxane B-2 and prostaglandine E-2 i n all colic horses, treatment group as well as controls, initially pro ved to be significantly higher than the reference values in healthy ho rses. The untreated control group showed plasma levels highly exeeding the standards within the course of investigation. The application of flunixin meglumine resulted in an effective inhibition of the prostano id synthesis. Post-operatively as well as within the whole period of i nvestigation the plasma levels of PGE(2) and TXB2 of the treated group were considerably lower than those of the control group. Flunixin meg lumine had a favorable effect on several cardiovascular parameters. Th e experimental data concerning the effects of flunixin meglumine thus could be validated in a clinical setting, especially the effective inh ibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme system. The application of the pr ostanoid synthesis inhibitor flunixin meglumine can be judged as being effective in limiting shock progress in the peri-operative setting gi ven reliable diagnosis.