This research aimed to investigate whether mofebutazone causes gastrointestinal and renal side effects in healthy ponies as well as to verify the capacity of omeprazole to inhibit the genesis of gastric ulcers. The experiment was carried out in two phases. In the first, six ponies were used, with three of them being treated daily with different doses (3, 4.5 and 6mg kg-1) of intravenous (IV) mofebutazone for 12 days. The other ponies were given 3mg kg-1 of omeprazole in addition to the anti-inflammatory drug. In the second phase, four ponies were included, with two of them being treated daily with 4.5mg kg-1 of mofebutazone for 12 days and the two remainders with 5mL of IV NaCl at 0.9%. All ponies underwent gastroscopy before and after each experimental phase. Additionally, in the first phase, urine, hematological (hematocrit, and total plasma protein) and biochemical (creatinine, albumin, Ca+2 and P+3) analysis were determined. In the first phase, only the two ponies treated with 6mg kg-1 of mofebutazone presented ulcers in the aglandular region along the margo plicatus. In the second phase, two animals also presented gastric ulcers, with one having received only NaCl at 0.9% solution. Ulcers occurrence was neither influenced (P>0.05) by the administration and dose of mofebutazone, nor by the presence of omeprazole. Mofebutazone effect on the hematological and biochemical variables was unremarkable (P+3) or absent (hematocrit, total plasma protein, creatinine, albumin, Ca+2) (P>0.05). Based on these results the following conclusions could be drawn: the occurrence of gastric ulcers in the aglandular region of healthy ponies was not influenced by application and dose of mofebutazone when administered for 12 days; grade four ulcers in the aglandular region of ponies may not be accompanied by clinical signs; healthy ponies tolerate application of up to 6mg kg-1 of IV mofebutazone for 12 days without the occurrence of renal damage; hematological and biochemical variables are not or minimally influenced by mofebutazone and a relation between omeprazole and gastric ulcers could not be confirmed in mofebutazone-treated ponies.
anti-inflammatory drugs; gastric ulcers; renal lesion; gastric acid inhibitors
