Horseadvice.com
An Online Horse Care and Equine Health Encyclopedia.
Horseadvice is organized by topics and searchable. A discussion area is provided with each topic where members can receive help solving problems. All moderated by an experienced equine veterinarian since 1997.
Come see what you have been missing.

Site Menu:

Horseadvice.com

Join Us!

Horse Care

Equine Diseases

Training and Behavior

Reproduction

Medications

Reference Material

This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Treatments and Medications for Horses » Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx) » Phenylbutazone (Bute) »
  Discussion on Research Summary: Ulcerative Cystitis and Bute Administration
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 22, 2011 - 5:56 pm:

Though speculative I think the conclusion of a possible connection between prolonged bute administration and blood in the urine from ulceration of the bladder seems likely.
DrO

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011 Aug 15;239(4):499-503.
Ulcerative cystitis associated with phenylbutazone administration in two horses.
Aleman M, Nieto JE, Higgins JK.
Source

William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616.
Abstract

Case Description-A 15-year-old Quarter Horse gelding and a 26-year-old Thoroughbred gelding were evaluated because of hematuria of 4 to 6 days' duration following prolonged oral administration of phenylbutazone. Clinical Findings-The horses had received either treatment with phenylbutazone for 3 months or intermittent long-term phenylbutazone treatment prior to development of hematuria. Each horse was systemically stable but had orthopedic or neurologic problems. Clinicopathologic findings included normochromic normocytic anemia in both horses and hypoalbuminemia and high BUN concentration in 1 horse. In both horses, urinalysis revealed proteinuria and RBCs, but no evidence of WBCs or bacteria. Ulceration and hemorrhage of the urinary bladder with no evidence of uroliths were observed via cystoscopy. Gastric ulceration along the margo plicatus was observed via gastroscopy. Treatment and Outcome-For each horse, phenylbutazone treatment was discontinued and a synthetic prostaglandin (misoprostol) was administered. The hematuria resolved, and results of a follow-up CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, and cystoscopy 25 or 30 days after cessation of phenylbutazone treatment were unremarkable in both cases. Clinical Relevance-Given the known adverse effects of NSAID treatment in several species, phenylbutazone and its metabolites were suspected to have caused ulceration of the urinary bladder, resulting in hematuria, in the 2 horses. A definitive cause of urinary bladder ulceration was not confirmed in these cases; however, resolution of ulceration after discontinuation of phenylbutazone treatment and administration of synthetic prostaglandins and exclusion of other causes suggested an association between phenylbutazone administration and ulcerative cystitis in these horses.
Horseadvice has nearly 1000 Articles and 100,000 Discussions all written or moderated by an experienced equine veterinarian. To get full access to the articles or to post questions and answers to our active forums become a member! We have a membership that fits your budget: Come see what you have been missing.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 1997 - 2025
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC