Efficacy of misoprostol in prevention of gastric hemorrhage in dogs treated with high doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate

Objective-To determine whether administration of misoprostol prevents gastr ic hemorrhage in healthy dogs treated with high doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). Animals-18 healthy hound-type dogs of both sexes. Procedure-All dogs were given high doses of MPSS (30 mg/kg of body weight, initially, then 15 mg/kg 2 and 6 hours later, and, subsequently, q 6 h for a total of 48 hours) IV. Dogs were assigned randomly to receive concurrent treatment with misoprostol (4 to 6 mu g/kg, PO, q 8 h; n = 9) or an empty g elatin capsule (9). Gastroduodenoscopy was performed before and after treat ment. Hemorrhage was graded from none (0) to severe (3) for each cardia, fu ndus, antrum, and duodenum. A total stomach score was calculated as the sum of the regional stomach scores. Food retention was recorded, and pH of gas tric fluid was determined. Gastric and fecal occult blood was measured. Results-Gastric hemorrhage was evident in all dogs after MPSS administratio n, and its severity was similar in both groups. Median total stomach score was 6 for misoprostol-treated dogs and 5.5 for dogs given the gelatin capsu le. Difference in gastric acidity, frequency of food retention, and inciden ce of occult blood in gastric fluid and feces was not apparent between the 2 groups. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Administration of misoprostol (4 to 6 mu g/kg. PO, q 8 h) does not prevent gastric hemorrhage caused by high doses of MPSS. Alternative prophylactic treatment should be considered.