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Study examines effects of higher NSAIDs dosages
Researchers test if higher doses alleviate foot pain in horses

A study carried out by researchers in America has examined whether higher-than-standard doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate foot pain more efficiently.

To test this hypothesis, Jonathan Foreman DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM and his colleagues at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign used a reversible heart bar shoe to allow sound horses to become temporarily lame. The pain subsides completely when researchers loosen the screw in the shoe to relieve foot pressure.

When the researchers tighten the screw in the shoe the pain level increases, as reflected by increasing heart rates. Following the regional anaesthesia application, the horses' heart rates dropped from 60 to 40 beats per minute (bpm).

In this study the scientists compared the effects of varying intravenous doses (half-dose, 1x, 2x) of flunixin meglumine; they used saline as a control. Ten sound horses wore a reversible heart bar shoe on the front left foot. Following treatment, the 1x and 2x doses improved heart rates for the 12-hour duration, whereas heart rates remained elevated in the control horses.

Heart rates in the horses given half-doses of flunixin did not decrease as much as those in the 1x and 2x horses, and they didn't remain low for as long. "They responded intermittently and not as obviously," Foreman commented. There was no difference in heart rate results between the horses receiving 1x or 2x flunixin meglumine.

Foreman concluded that the double dose was no more effective than the single dose and presented a higher risk of toxicity. The half-dose was less effective than the single dose; therefore, you can't rely on an anti-endotoxic half-dose to provide complete pain control for horses with painful hoof conditions such as laminitis.

Foreman summed the study up by saying: "More is not better and less is less effective."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.