Prokinetic drugs in the treatment of proximal enteritis

Proximal enteritis (PE) in horses can result in severe dehydration and debi litation. Current therapy consists of gastric decompression, intravenous fl uid administration, and antiinflammatory drugs. The use of prokinetic drugs may be helpful in shortening the duration of PE. Of all such drugs, intrav enous lidocaine has the most potential in reducing inflammation and increas ing intestinal motility in horses with PE.