Oral Paste Research Articles

Abstract 1595: Comparing a topical-based curcumin to dietary curcumin in a skin cancer model

Abstract Objective: Curcumin has been under investigation for its anti-carcinogenic role in a variety of human cancers. However curcumin clinical trials in skin carcinoma have not been reported. Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive tumor associated with higher rates of metastasis and recurrences, especially in the lymphatic rich head and neck region. Low oral bioavailability has been a limitation in clinical trials with curcumin. We investigated curcumin's chemopreventive properties to prevent or delay skin SCC growth when administered topically versus orally. We also wanted to determine biomarkers of response for future chemopreventive trials given the aggressive nature of the disease, problems of condemned skin, recurrences and metastases, and rising health care costs. This is the first study comparing topical to oral curcumin in a mouse model. Methods: 6-8 week-old SCID mice were pretreated with 15 mg corn oil (control), 15 mg curcumin by oral gavage, curcumin topical paste, or combined oral gavage and topical paste (n=10/group) daily for 3 days prior to the subcutaneous injection of SRB-12 P9 cells (aggressive skin SCC). Mice were treated and tumors measured daily by digital calipers, and sacrificed on day 29. Tumors with overlying skin and blood were collected. Results and Discussion: Tumor volumes from all curcumin treated groups were significantly smaller compared to the control group (p<0.001). Ex vivo tumor volumes from all curcumin treated groups were significantly smaller than the control (p= 0.004). There was no difference between the curcumin gavage and topical tumor volumes (p = 0.19). Western blot analysis of xenograft tumors showed significant inhibition of pS6, a well known downstream target of MTOR inhibitors and MEK/ERK pathway in gavage and combined treated groups but did not show the same inhibition of pMTOR or p4EBP1. pERK and pSTAT3 was significantly inhibited in all curcumin treated groups, and inhibition was more pronounced in the combined curcumin group. There was no difference of pERK and pSTAT3 expression between the curcumin gavage and topical group. IHC showed strong positive pERK staining throughout tumors in the control group, and weaker, focal staining in the curcumin-treated tumors. There was no difference in pERK staining between the curcumin gavage and topical group. ELISA on pooled serum obtained from mice showed the inflammatory marker IL-6 was significantly inhibited in the topical group, but not in the groups receiving systemic curcumin. Conclusion: Curcumin inhibited tumor growth in all treated groups and topical curcumin was equally effective as oral curcumin in inhibiting tumor growth. Combined with its anti-carcinogenic effects, curcumin's local anti-inflammatory properties can contribute to its role as a chemopreventive agent. Targets of the ERK pathway appear to be promising biomarkers of response for future curcumin chemopreventive trials in skin SCC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1595. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1595

Efficacy of Omeprazole Paste in the Prevention of Gastric Ulcers in 2 Years Old Thoroughbreds

Prevalence of equine gastric ulcer syndrome in 85 young Thoroughbreds was investigated. The presence of gastric ulcers was confirmed in 27.1% (23/85) of the horses by endoscopic examination. Sixty-two horses without gastric ulcers were allocated randomly to either the treated group (31 horses) or sham-dosed control group (31 horses) in order to investigate the efficacy of omeprazole oral paste in the prevention of gastric ulcers. At the second endoscopic examination conducted after 28 days of administration, only 1 horse in the treated group developed gastric ulcers, while 12 horses developed gastric ulcers in the control group. Based on these data, the efficacy of omeprazole in prevention of equine gastric ulcers in young Thoroughbreds during the training period was confirmed.

Acute renal failure due to tobramycin intoxication during selective digestive tract decontamination

Dear Editor, A 52-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock due to pneumonia. Two months before he had an oesophago-gastrectomy because of carcinoma of the distal part of the oesophagus. The post-operative course was complicated because of ischaemic lesions in the transverse colon and suture dehiscence of the ileotransversostomy. An ileostomy and colostomy were constructed (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 Schematic drawing of patient’s changed anatomy after surgery. Resection of esophagus and stomach, replaced by a colon segment with a Roux-Y reconstruction. After suture dehiscence of the ileotransversostomy the suture was opened, transversectomy ... Apart from antibiotic treatment, he received selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) as described previously by De Smet et al [1]. SDD was administered four times daily as a 2% oral paste, containing amphotericin B, tobramycin and colistin. Four times daily a 10 ml (containing 500 mg amphotericin B, 100 mg colistin, 80 mg tobramycin) suspension was given nasogastrically. Additionally, twice daily a suppository (containing 500 mg amphotericin B, 40 mg tobramycin, 100 mg colistin) was administered in the colostomy of the descending colon. He recovered but because of ICU-acquired weakness he needed prolonged mechanical ventilation. Thirty days after admission he became oliguric and developed renal failure with renal acidosis without further clinical signs of haemodynamic instability. His creatinine level gradually increased from 50 to 263 μmol/l. Physical, laboratory and radiological examination ruled out sepsis, hypovolaemia and post-renal obstruction. Medication-induced nephrotoxicity was suspected. Serum tobramycin level was elevated (18.9 mg/l). SDD was discontinued. After haemodialysis and veno-venous haemofiltration tobramycin levels became undetectable again. However, renal insufficiency persisted and he remained dependent on dialysis. Elevated serum tobramycin levels during SDD have been shown in patients with normal renal function and pre-existent renal insufficiency [2, 3]. Several mechanisms might explain increased serum levels of non-absorbable antimicrobial agents in this patient. First, the integrity of the mucosal barrier might have been compromised by the initial sepsis causing increased permeability for tobramycin [4]. Secondly, our patient was malnourished as a result of chronic illness and frequent periods of retention of enteral feeding. Malnutrition is associated with increased movements of large molecules through the paracellular tight junction in jejunal epithelia [5]. Thirdly, our patient had a blinded jejunal loop which could act as reservoir for tobramycin. The amphotericin B levels were not measured but could also be increased. The nephrotoxic effect of parenteral administration of amphotericin B is well known. No other medication could explain the acute renal failure. This case indicates that patients with altered abdominal anatomy and/or perforations and/or malnutrition might be at risk to develop nephrotoxicity from SDD, especially when SDD is administered via several routes. Besides the current debate about the effects of SDD on antibiotic resistance, no complications of tobramycin-related toxicity are reported in more than 50 randomized controlled trials. Future studies on SDD should also incorporate such safety analyses.

Field Trial Validation of the Efficacy and Acceptability of Firocoxib, a Highly Selective Cox-2 Inhibitor, in a Group of 96 Lame Horses

The objective was to generate evidence for clinical efficacy and acceptability of a second generation coxib, firocoxib, administered orally for 14 days to lame horses under field conditions compared with a classic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, vedaprofen, in a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded, multicenter field trial. Ninety-six client-owned horses with American Association of Equine Practitioners score of at least grade 3 lameness or grade 2 lameness plus at least a score of 2 for either pain on palpation, range of motion, or joint swelling were analyzed. Horses were administered 0.1 mg/kg firocoxib orally at 24 hour intervals (n = 48) or 1.0 mg/kg vedaprofen paste at 12 hour intervals for 14 days (single loading dose of 2.0 mg/kg vedaprofen) (n = 48). Physical examinations and lameness evaluations were conducted on Day 1 (V1, before treatment) and on Days 7 (V2) and 14 (V3). Blood chemistry and hematology profiles were also evaluated. With regard to the primary variable, clinical improvement, 83% of the firocoxib-treated horses improved at V3 compared with 65% of vedaprofen-treated horses improved meeting the criteria defined to demonstrate noninferiority of firocoxib to vedaprofen. Health and behavioral abnormalities for side effect detection occurred at the rate of 2% (1 horse) and 8% (4 horses) for firocoxib- and vedaprofen-treated horses, respectively. Changes in hematology and blood chemistry values from V1 to V3 were not significantly different between treatment groups. Firocoxib, formulated as an oral paste was highly effective, well tolerated, and acceptable for the control of pain and inflammation associated with lameness in horses under field conditions.

Determination of ivermectin efficacy against cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum on horse farms using selective therapy

Ivermectin resistance has recently been described in Parascaris equorum and there have been reports from several countries of a shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) following ivermectin treatment for cyathostomins. This study was aimed at determining the efficacy of ivermectin in treating cyathostomins and P. equorum in Danish horses. A total of 196 animals were selected from 52 farms, all of which were using a selective anthelmintic treatment strategy. ERP was investigated with weekly samples from 96 horses from nine farms. Horses were treated with ivermectin oral paste by their owners at an estimated dose rate of 0.2mg/kg. Overall, faecal egg counts were reduced 10-14 days after treatment by 96.9% and 100% for P. equorum and cyathostomins, respectively. Mean faecal egg count reductions at 4 and 6 weeks post treatment were 99.5% and 96.9%, respectively. No signs of developing ivermectin resistance were found in either cyathostomins or P. equorum in the studied horses.

Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of a novel cephalexin oral paste formulation in fed and fasted dogs

Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of a novel cephalexin oral paste formulation in fed and fasted dogs

Blast from oral health past

Blast from oral health past

Efficacy and Safety of Imidacloprid 10%/Moxidectin 1% Spot-on Formulation in the Treatment of Feline Aelurostrongylosis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% (Advocate, Bayer) in the treatment of natural feline infection with the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida). The efficacy of Advocate administered once was tested in comparison to a control oral formulation containing fenbendazole 18.75% (Panacur Intervet) administered over three consecutive days based on larvae per gramme of faeces (LPG), measured on days 28 +/- 2 following treatment and compared to counts on days -6 to -2. In total 24 cats treated either with Advocate (n = 12) or with Panacur (n = 12) were included. Mean LPG postbaseline (days 28 +/- 2) were low in both treatment groups, i.e., 0 LPG for Advocate and 1.3 LPG for Panacur. Reduction of post-baseline larval counts showed Advocate (100% reduction) to be superior in efficacy compared to the control product (99.29% reduction). No treated animals showed adverse events. This trial demonstrated that both Advocate spot-on formulation and Panacur oral paste are safe and effective in the treatment of aelurostrongylosis in cats. Future practical perspectives in feline medicine and the major advantages of the spot-on product compared to the oral paste are discussed.

Efficacy and Safety of Emodepside 2.1 %/Praziquantel 8.6% Spot-on Formulation in the Treatment of Feline Aelurostrongylosis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic spot-on formulation containing emodepside 2.1%/praziquantel 8.6% (Profender, Bayer) in the treatment of natural feline infection with the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida). Efficacy of Profender given once at the licensed dose was tested in comparison to a control oral formulation containing fenbendazole 18.75% (Panacur, Intervet) given over three consecutive days at the licensed dose. Efficacy assessment was based on larvae per gramme of faeces (LPG) counts, measured on days 28 +/- 2 following treatment and compared to counts on days -6 to -2. In total 24 cats treated either with Profender (n = 12) or with Panacur (n = 12) were included in the assessment of efficacy and safety. Mean LPG post-baseline counts (days 28 +/- 2) were 1.3 LPG for both Profender and Panacur, demonstrating similar efficacy of 99.38% for Profender and 99.29% for the control product. No treated animals showed adverse events. This trial demonstrated that both Profender spot-on formulation and oral paste Panacur are safe and effective in the treatment of aelurotrongylosis in cats. Future practical perspectives in feline medicine and the major advantages of the spot-on product compared to the oral paste are discussed.

A clinical evaluation of amlexanox oral adhesive pellicles in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and comparison with amlexanox oral tablets: a randomized, placebo controlled, blinded, multicenter clinical trial

BackgroundAmlexanox has been developed as a 5 percent topical oral paste for the treatment of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) in most European countries. However, it is not yet available in China and has not been generally accepted in clinical treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of amlexanox oral adhesive pellicles in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous ulcers, and compare the results with those of amlexanox oral adhesive tablets in order to analyse the difference between the two dosage forms of amlexanox.MethodsWe performed a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel, multicenter clinical study. A total of 216 patients with minor recurrent aphthous ulcers (MiRAU) were recruited and randomized to amlexanox pellicles or placebo pellicles. Pellicles were consecutively applied four times per day, for five days. The size and pain level of ulcers were measured and recorded on treatment days 0, 4 and 6. Finally, the results were compared with those of our previous 104 cases treated with amlexanox tablets.ResultsAmlexanox oral adhesive pellicles significantly reduced ulcer size (P= 0.017 for day 4, P=0.038 for day 6) and alleviated ulcer pain (P=0.021 for day 4, P=0.036 for day 6). No significant difference was observed in the treatment effectiveness between the pellicle and tablet form of amlexanox.ConclusionsAmlexanox oral adhesive pellicles are as effective and safe as amlexanox oral adhesive tablets in the treatment of MiRAU for this Chinese cohort. However, pellicles seem to be more comfortable to use when compared with the dosage form of tablets. Therefore, in clinical practice, amlexanox oral adhesive pellicles may be a better choice for RAS patients.Trials registrationNederlands Trial Register NTR1727.

The efficacy of a paste containing Myrtus communis (Myrtle) in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized controlled trial

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common, painful, and ulcerative disorder of the oral cavity with unknown etiology. Treatment is a highly controversial topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel paste containing Myrtus communis (Myrtle) in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Myrtle is a particular herb used in some cultures as treatment for mouth ulcers. The study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled before-after clinical trial. Forty-five patients with RAS randomly participated in this study. The subjects were treated with placebo paste and myrtle oral paste in two consecutive episodes. The paste was applied by subjects themselves four times a day for 6 days. Five parameters (size change, pain scale, erythema and exudation level, oral health impact profile, and patient overall assessment of their treatment) were recorded both before (baseline) and during each episodes of treatment (on the morning of days 2, 4, and 6). There were no statistically significant differences between baseline parameters (p > 0.05). The data indicated a statistically significant reduction of ulcer size (p < 0.001), pain severity (p < 0.05), and erythema and exudation level (p < 0.001). Oral Health Impact Profile improved significantly in the treatment group (p < 0.001). Patient overall assessment of their treatment improved after applying paste containing myrtle (p < 0.05). No side effects were reported. This study has shown myrtle to be effective in decreasing the size of ulcers, pain severity and the level of erythema and exudation, and improving the quality of life in patients who suffer from RAS.

Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: A Case Report and Review

A 15 year-old Thoroughbred mare was examined for lethargy, fever, and inappetence of 1-day duration. A hard-bodied tick was removed from the horse. A complete blood count (CBC) demonstrated leukopenia with lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. Morulae were visualized in circulating granulocytes. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the identity of these organisms as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The horse was treated symptomatically for fever and inappetence with flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg [0.5 mg/lb]) and oral electrolyte paste. Oxytetracycline (6.6 mg/kg [3 mg/lb] intravenously every 24 hours) treatment was begun as soon as a definitive diagnosis was determined. The mare responded to treatment, but she was switched to oral doxycycline (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb] every 12 hours) after 5 days because of perivascular swelling at the injection site. Complete resolution of clinical signs was seen. There was no evidence of recurrence 1 year later. No additional horses at the farm were affected. The horse in this report presented for lethargy, inappetence, and fever, with limited other abnormalities. This represents a classical presentation of a mild to moderate case of anaplasmosis, which had not previously been reported in Virginia. The disease may be more widespread than has been previously reported, and it should warrant inclusion on a complete differential diagnosis list in a case of fever of unknown origin.

Successful Treatment of a Gastric Trichobezoar in a Peruvian Guinea Pig ( Cavia aperea porcellus)

Abstract A 3.5-year-old female Peruvian guinea pig was examined because of a history of anorexia, abdominal pain, and a palpable abdominal mass. Physical examination revealed a round, well-defined mass in the cranial abdomen. When palpated, the abdomen was slightly painful. Ultrasonography revealed a round hyperechogenic mass situated in the gastrointestinal tract, anatomically in the area of the stomach. Abdominal exploratory surgery was performed, and a 4-cm diameter compact trichobezoar was removed from the stomach through a gastrotomy incision. Postsurgical recovery of the guinea pig was uneventful. Four months after surgery, the guinea pig was in good clinical condition. Prophylactic treatment consisted of a changed diet containing a higher percentage of hay; additionally, the hair was kept short by the owner, and an oral lubricant paste was given with the intention to lower the risk of recurrence.

Effectiveness of two oral pastes for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

To compare the effectiveness of two topical medications to reduce the pain and size of recurrent minor aphthous ulcers. Ten Colombian Dental Faculties' clinics. A double-blind randomized multi-centre clinical study. Ninety-six patients complaining of at least five acute aphthous ulcers were randomized to two intervention groups. Sample size was calculated using an alpha error of 0.05 and beta of 0.20. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 5% amlexanox or a 0.05% clobetasol propionate magistral preparation. Observers at the participating institutions were previously trained to standardize clinical diagnosis and data recollection. Ulcer size and pain were measured on treatment days 0, 2 and 5. No significant differences were found between the two groups studied in any of the studied variables at baseline. Both treatment medications significantly reduced pain magnitude and the index ulcer's size on days 2 and 5 compared with day 0 without adverse reactions (within groups differences). No statistical differences between groups of the study medications were found. The two treatments applied had similar effectiveness as they both relieved pain and reduced the size of recurrent aphthous ulcers.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae subspecies boulardii CNCM I-1079 on feed intake by healthy beef cattle treated with florfenicol and on health and performance of newly received beef heifers1

The effects of a live yeast supplement [Saccharomyces cerevisiae subspecies boulardii CNCM I-1079; ProTernative Stress Formula (PTSF) yeast, Ivy Natural Solutions, Overland Park, KS] on DMI, performance, and health of beef cattle were evaluated in 3 experiments. In Exp. 1, a pilot study was conducted with 10 healthy beef steers fed a 65% concentrate diet to evaluate the effects of florfenicol (s.c. in the neck vs. sterile water injection) on DMI. Steers injected with florfenicol had 15.6 (P = 0.092) and 22.2% (P = 0.015) decreases in DMI compared with controls on the day of and day after injection, respectively, with no differences for the remainder of the 7-d period. In the main study of Exp. 1, healthy beef steers (6 pens of 5 steers each/treatment) were fed the control or PTSF yeast diets (0.5 g of yeast x steer(-1) x d(-1)) for 5 d before being injected s.c. with florfenicol. Compared with the 5 d before injection, DMI decreased after injection, but it did not differ (P > 0.66) between treatments on the day of and day after injection. By the second day after injection, DMI tended (P = 0.107) to increase for steers fed PTSF yeast vs. control steers, with a trend for a similar pattern on the third day after injection (P = 0.197). No differences were noted between treatments for the remainder of the 7-d period or for the subsequent 2 wk. In Exp. 2, 3 loads of beef heifers (277 heifers; average initial BW = 230.3 kg) were shipped from auction barns and assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (5 pens/treatment in each load) during 35-d receiving periods: 1) control = 65% concentrate receiving diet; or 2) PTSF yeast = 65% concentrate receiving diet with PTSF yeast added to supply 0.5 g of yeast x heifer(-1) x d(-1). All heifers were treated with florfenicol on arrival, and PTSF yeast heifers received approximately 1 g of yeast via an oral paste at the time of processing. Averaged over the 3 loads, treatments did not affect (P > or = 0.12) DMI, ADG, or G:F during the 35-d period, but the percentage of cattle treated once or more for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was greater for control (P = 0.04) than for PTSF yeast heifers (24.0 vs. 13.78% respectively). In Exp. 3, 2 loads of beef heifers (180 heifers; average initial BW = 209.0 kg) that were not treated with antibiotic at the time of arrival processing were fed a 70% concentrate receiving diet and assigned the same 2 treatments as in Exp. 2. No differences (P > 0.72) were noted between treatments in ADG, DMI, and G:F for the 35-d receiving period, and BRD morbidity pooled across loads did not differ between treatments (40.2 vs. 33.1% for control vs. PTSF yeast). Providing PTSF yeast in an oral paste at the time of processing combined with the addition of 0.5 g of yeast x animal(-1) x d(-1) in the diet had little effect on receiving period performance; however, it decreased BRD morbidity in heifers given florfenicol on arrival but was without effect on BRD morbidity in heifers that did not receive a prophylactic antibiotic.

Effect of omeprazole on markers of performance in gastric ulcer‐free Standardbred horses

A large percentage of performance horses develop gastric ulcers and many of those horses are treated with omeprazole. Unfortunately, no data have been published on the effects of the drug on markers of performance in animals without ulcers. Omeprazole would alter markers of aerobic and anaerobic performance. Ten unfit, healthy, ulcer free, Standardbred mares were administered either control (CON; oral apple sauce, 20 ml) or omeprazole (OP; oral paste, 4 mg/kg bwt s.i.d.) in a random crossover fashion with the investigators blind to the treatment. Treatments were administered for 7 days prior to performing an incremental exercise test (GXT) on a high-speed treadmill. Endoscopic examinations were performed just prior to the trial to verify that the mares were ulcer-free. During the GXT, the mares ran on a treadmill up a 6% grade to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), run time (RT), velocity at VO2max, maximal velocity (Vmax), packed cell volume (PCV), plasma lactate concentration (LA) and plasma protein concentration (TP). Measurements were recorded at rest, at the end of each 1 min step of the GXT and at 2 and 5 min post GXT. Data were analysed using ANOVA for repeated measures and t tests for paired comparisons. There was no effect (P>0.05) of omeprazole on VO2max; velocity at VO2max; RT; Vmax; 2 min recovery plasma LA. Nor were there any changes (P>0.05) in the relationship between treadmill speed and VO2, PCV, TP, or plasma LA. Omeprazole does not appear to improve physiological markers of performance in healthy, ulcer free horses. These data may benefit various authorities responsible for deciding administration and timing policies of omeprazole as well as clinicians and horse owners.

Effects of oral electrolyte supplementation on endurance horses competing in 80 km rides

There is no evidence that use of oral electrolyte pastes enhances performance in competing endurance horses. To ascertain whether oral administration of a high dose (HD) of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) to endurance horses would differentially increase water intake, attenuate bodyweight (bwt) loss and improve performance when compared to a low dose (LD). A randomised, blinded, crossover study was conducted on 8 horses participating in two 80 km rides (same course, 28 days apart). Thirty minutes before and at 40 km of the first ride 4, horses received orally 02 g NaCl/kg bwt and 0.07 g KCl/kg bwt. The other 4 received 0.07 g NaCl/kg bwt and 0.02 g KCl/kg bwt. Horses received the alternate treatment in the second ride. Data were analysed with 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures (P<0.05). Estimated water intake was significantly greater with HD both at the 40 km mark and as total water intake; however, differences in bwt loss and speed between HD and LD were not found. Treatment significantly affected serum Na+, Cl-, HCO3, pH and water intake, but not serum K+ or bwt. Serum Na+ and Cl- were significantly higher at 80 km when horses received HD, but no differences were found in early recovery. Venous HCO3- and pH were significantly lower throughout the ride and in early recovery when horses received HD. Other than enhancing water intake, supplementing endurance horses with high doses of NaCI and KCl did not provide any detectable competitive advantage in 80 km rides. Further, the elevated serum electrolyte concentrations induced with HD might not be appropriate for endurance horses.

A modified critical test and its use in two dose titration trials to assess efficacy of praziquantel for Anoplocephala perfoliata in equids

Aims of this study with 43 equids naturally infected with Anoplocephala perfoliata in two dose titration trials were to document (i) the usefulness of a critical test with a 48 h treatment to necropsy period, (ii) efficacy of an oral paste of 0.5–2.0 mg praziquantel/kg body weight, and (iii) when after treatment would fecal egg counts provide best estimates of the tapeworm's prevalence in a herd. All feces passed by an equid after treatment and collected in successive 12 h batches were examined for tapeworms. At necropsy, tapeworms were identified as attached to the mucosa or unattached. Tapeworms were examined with a stereoscope and identified as normal or abnormal. Fecal samples were taken for egg counts at treatment and at 6 h intervals thereafter. In 32 of 36 treated equids, efficacy was 100% and mean efficacies for 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg praziquantel/kg body weight were 85.5, 99.7, 100 and 100%, respectively. Two equids treated with 0.5 mg praziquantel/kg body weight had low efficacies (5.4 and 38.1%) and normal tapeworms were found attached in the ventral colon and in one equid also in the dorsal colon. In seven untreated equids, tapeworms were primarily in the cecum with 21.3% detached. “Major fragments” or worms without a scolex but otherwise nearly a complete worm were 20.5% of the number of intact worms; they were not included in the efficacy analysis but should be. If the two equids with low efficacy were eliminated and if the number of all tapeworms and major fragments are combined less than 0.5% were in feces within 12 h of treatment, about 20% were in the 12–24 h period, 42% in 24–36 h, 24% in 36–48 h and 13.5% in the equids at necropsy. One horse passed all its tapeworms in 24 h. This 48 h test when compared with a 24 h one with no examination of feces was more efficient in use of trial animals and reduced underestimation and overestimation of efficacy. However, a protocol similar to the 48 h test but with a 24 or 36 h post-treatment period should be investigated. The mean egg count peaked 18–24 h after treatment and samples taken at that time would provide the best estimate of prevalence. The Cornell-Wisconsin centrifugal flotation technique had a specificity of 100% and at 18 and 24 h its sensitivity was 94%. A brief discussion on critical and controlled tests for assessing efficacy of an anthelmintic for A. perfoliata is presented.

Efficacy of omeprazole paste for prevention of gastric ulcers in horses in race training

To determine the minimal effective dosage of omeprazole oral paste for the prevention of naturally occurring ulcers in horses starting race training. Prospective study. 175 horses. Horses in the dose selection portion of the study were sham dose treated or received 1 mg (0.45 mg/lb) or 2 mg (0.9 mg/lb) of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days or 4 mg of omeprazole/kg (1.8 mg/lb; loading dose), PO, every 24 hours for 4 days, then 1 or 2 mg of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 24 days. Horses in the dose confirmation portion of the study were sham dose treated or received 1 mg of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days. Gastric ulcer scores at the beginning and end of the study were compared. Sham-dose-treated horses had significantly higher ulcer scores than did horses treated with any of the omeprazole dosages evaluated. Among horses treated with omeprazole, there was no significant interaction of dose (1 or 2 mg/kg) and loading dose; therefore, the lowest effective dose (1 mg/kg) was evaluated in the dose confirmation portion of the study. In the dose confirmation study, 4 of 39 (10%) sham-dose-treated horses remained ulcer free, which was significantly different from the proportion of horses (31/38 [82%]) receiving 1 mg of omeprazole/kg that remained ulcer free. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE; Results indicated that omeprazole administered at a dosage of 1 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days was effective for prevention of gastric ulcers in horses starting race training.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Oral Paste Formulations of Ivermectin against Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horses

The anthelmintic efficacy of oral paste formulations of ivermectin against gastrointestinal parasites in horses was evaluated, using fifteen active racehorses in which nematodes had been detected in their gastrointestinal tracts by fecal examination. A single dose of ivermectin was given orally to twelve horses of the treatment groups at a dosage rate of 200 μg/kg in order to obtain and identify gastrointestinal parasites in their feces for 3 days after treatment. Small strongyles, strongyles, and Parascaris equorum were found passed in feces up to post-treatment day (PTD) 2, but they were no longer observed on PTD 3. Horse bot fly Gasterophilus spp. larvae were found on PTD 2 and 3. The percentages of small strongyles found on PTD 1 were 75-100% (88% on average), and the rest were found (12% on average) on PTD 2. The nematodes were 16 species from 7 genera, of which 11 species were identified as small strongyles. In the fecal examination conducted on PTD 14, all horses of the treatment groups showed negative for nematode eggs. No abnormalities were observed in general clinical signs of the treated horses for 14 days after treatment. Three non-treated horses of the control groups still showed positive for nematode eggs on PTD 14. These results confirm that when ivermectin was given orally to horses at a dosage rate of 200 μg/kg, small strongyles, strongyles, and P. equorum, were excreted in feces up to PTD 2, and Gasterophilus spp. larvae on and after PTD 2, demonstrating the potent anthelmintic efficacy of ivermectin against these parasites.