Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ulceration and stricture of the right dorsal colon after phenylbutazone administration in four horses.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Hough, M E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Murdoch University · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, four horses developed serious problems in their right dorsal colon after being given phenylbutazone, a type of pain relief medication. These issues included ulcers and strictures (narrowing) of the colon, which are often linked to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). All four horses showed signs like mild belly pain, weight loss, and swelling in their bellies, with three also having diarrhea. While one horse was treated successfully with medication and did well for a year afterward, two others were diagnosed through surgery, with one being euthanized during the procedure. The treatment for the horse that recovered involved a special diet and stopping the use of NSAIDs.
Abstract
Four cases of ulceration and stricture of the right dorsal colon were encountered. Ulceration of the right dorsal colon is generally associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) toxicosis but there are few reports of stricture following ulceration. All four horses had recent phenylbutazone use: three had been given doses well in excess of the recommended dose and in one the dose was marginally above those recommended but was combined with administration of other NSAIDs. All four horses presented with intermittent low-grade colic, weight loss and ventral oedema. Diarrhoea was also seen in three of them. All had hypoproteinaemia due to severe hypoalbuminaemia, and hyperfibrinogenaemia. Hypoalbuminaemia was less severe in one horse and this horse was successfully managed medically. Two cases were definitively diagnosed at exploratory celiotomy and two at necropsy. Exploratory celiotomy was performed in two horses: one was euthanased at surgery and one was managed successfully with medical treatment and remained normal 1 year after surgery. Medical management included feeding of a low-roughage pelleted ration, corn oil, psyllium mucilloid, and discontinuation of NSAID administration.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10685180/