Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in colic-therapy

Injuries of the intestine caused by ischemia and reperfusion after strangulation leads to inflammatory reactions of the affected intestinal segment by an upregulation of the COX isoforms. The basic principles of the operation mode of NSAIDs are described and the drugs of this group, which are used in horses are presented. A literature-review focusses on the effects of NSAIDs on gastrointestinal motility and contractility, regeneration of the intestinal barrier function, ulcers, local and systemic effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition, neutrophil infiltration, cyclooxygenase regulatory as well as operative outcome and paralytic ileus. These explanations were deepened by results from own studies. In colic therapy, NSAIDs are applied in order to target the cyclooxygenase, being used for analgesia, anti-inflammatory and treatment of endotoxaemia. Motility disturbances of the intestine lead to severe complications and to death of the equine patients particularly in the post-operative stage. Because of different effects and resulting advantages and disadvantages an evaluation for each individual patient is necessary.