Rounds With Doc T
This is a live meeting with Doc T, during which members can ask questions about horses. Doc T... View more
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EOTRH and Previcox
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EOTRH and Previcox
I found the March meeting on EOTRH very interesting. I was quite alarmed when you mentioned Previcox use as a factor in this issue. My 19 yr. old gelding, who has chronic corneal ulcers is on previcox long-term. We are planning on doing implants (cyclosporin) to prevent future corneal ulcers from flaring up. He has been grain free for several years and is fed only alfalfa pellets, SBM, grass hay and pasture. Our vet specializes in equine opthalmology so I feel I can trust her treatment advice. What should I be asking about long-term use of Previcox? Is it a necessary evil or is there a better approach? Yes, would love to find the cause of the flare ups of the eye problems and not just treat them when they happen, but, like EOTRH, we have to treat the problem and keep him out of pain. Suggestions, advice, questions I should be asking my vet???? I don’t want to create another problem using Previcox long-term.
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4 Replies
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@Sandy_K Previcox is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which was shown by the Texas A&M vet school to eliminate a family of microbes that normally populate the mouth of horses – after only 1 dose. HOWEVER, this must be balanced against why it is needed to be used. Many horses have been on long term NSAID’s without a gut issue. My point though is to show that there are always side effects of all drugs. I personally try to reduce to a minimum the medications I take but there are days in stuffy hotel rooms that I need a headache pain reliever to work. I weigh the cost and benefit.
Of concern is the reason for chronic corneal ulcers. I have been hearing about these occurring in horses with Cushing’s disease which in my opinion is secondary to insulin resistance (IR). Is this the case with your horse either shown by blood lab work or by excess fat and a crusty neck? Remember, even though a horse has been off grain and is on SBM, if the total glucose (starch) intake is greater than his needs then there is a good chance there is IR and EMS with the accompanying inflammation. Let us know.
PS – sorry for the delay. I just missed this!
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Bingo! Yes, suspected of IR although we haven’t tested yet. Blood work has been done but not the specific test for IR. He is grain free (several years now) on SBM and reduced access to pasture. I’ve also increased his exercise as you have recommended in previous posts. I’ll mention the IR/corneal ulcer connection to my vet. I have a feeling she is already suspecting that there is a connection. Thank you for the info and sharing your thoughts on this subject.
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Look for reservoirs of starch. Insulin appears when starch is ingested. The amount of starch in hay is often overlooked especially when it is added to the starch of the grass in the pasture. Limiting this through soaking the hay and limiting the intake will reduce insulin – just like living through winter.
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