D07EQ-609: Cardiovascular Effects of N-Butylscopolammonium Bromide in Horses

principal investigator: Courtney Varney, Veterinary Student Scholar, University of Florida

completed

Results

Drugs to Treat Colic Affect a Horse’s Vital Signs
The drug Buscopan is often used to treat horses suffering from colic, a painful and life-threatening condition. Veterinarians know that this drug causes an increased heart rate in horses, but it is not known how long the heart rate remains elevated. During a colic episode, heart rate is very important in determining whether a horse needs surgery. The veterinary student scholar analyzed how the drugs N-butylscopolammonium bromide (Buscopan) and xylazine (Rompun) affect the vital signs of healthy horses. She looked at the drugs’ effects when given alone and in combination. In all instances, the drugs significantly altered cardiovascular parameters, cardiac rhythm and intestinal motility. In addition, Buscopan alone and the two drugs in combination significantly elevated heart rate and all measurements of blood pressure. All treatments significantly reduced gastrointestinal motility. These effects returned to normal within 60 minutes of drug administration. Knowing how long these drugs normally causes an increased heart rate will help veterinarians better determine whether an increase in heart rate is caused by the drug or by a life-threatening condition that requires surgery. It also will help them avoid potentially adverse effects in compromised patients.