A comparative experimental study of the effects of diclofenac and ketoprofen on the small-bowel mucosa of canines

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen, two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with different excretion pathways, and the role of other enteric factors during simultaneous administration of these drugs on the development of mucosal lesions of the small intestine in canines. Twenty-five animals were divided into three groups. Group I included 10 canines. 5 with diclofenac sodium (group Ia) and 5 with ketoprofen administration (group Ib). Group IT included 5 animals in which a segment of ileum was surgically isolated from the rest of the small intestine. Group III included 10 animals in two subgroups of 5: a segment of ileum was surgically isolated in both subgroups: groups IIIa received diclofenac and group IIIb ketoprofen. Histological examination of the specimens taken revealed macroscopic and microscopic mucosal lesions in 5/5 animals in group Ia. whereas none of the 5 animals in group Ib had any lesions. Group II did not reveal any mucosal lesions. Three out of 5 animals (60%) administered diclofenac in group IIIa had intestinal mucosal lesions, but none of the 5 revealed lesions in the isolated loop of ileum. No lesions were observed in the isolated loop or in the rest of the intestinal mucosa in the animals in group IIIb. Our results suggest that NSAIDs produce intestinal mucosal lesions not only when administered per mouth but also after intramuscular administration. Diclofenac. unlike ketoprofen. was responsible for the development of lesions in the intestinal mucosa. The role of drugs and/or their metabolites in the intestine and certain other factors must still be determined.