Effectiveness of Tapentadol for Pain in Horses with Osteoarthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Costa Giovanna Lucrezia, Tabbì Marco, Bruschetta Giuseppe, Spadola Filippo, Leonardi Fabio, Bruno Fabio, Iannelli Nicola Maria, Licata Patrizia, Macrì Francesco, Passino Eraldo Sanna, Macrì Daniele, Interlandi Claudia
Primary Institution: Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
Hypothesis
The study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of tapentadol in horses with chronic joint disorders.
Conclusion
Tapentadol is effective in managing osteoarthritis pain in horses, as indicated by decreased lameness and cortisol levels.
Supporting Evidence
- The degree of lameness decreased significantly in both treatment groups.
- Serotonin concentrations were lower in the osteoarthritis groups compared to the control group.
- Cortisol levels decreased significantly in subjects treated with tapentadol.
- Physiological parameters remained within normal ranges throughout the study.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving tapentadol to horses with joint pain helps them feel better and reduces stress hormones.
Methodology
Thirty-six horses were divided into three groups and treated with tapentadol for 4 weeks, with assessments of pain and physiological parameters.
Limitations
The correlation between lameness scores and NRS scores was not significant, indicating potential inadequacies in the assessment scales used.
Participant Demographics
36 crossbred horses, aged 4 to 18 years, with 20 females and 16 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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