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Gastric hemorrhage in dogs given high doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate
C R Rohrer1, R C Hill, A Fischer
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0126, USA.
Objective:
To determine whether healthy dogs given high doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) develop gastrointestinal tract ulcers and hemorrhage.
Animals:
19 healthy male hound-type dogs.
Procedure:
Dogs were assigned randomly to intravenously receive high doses of MPSS (30 mg/kg of body weight, initially, then 15 mg/kg 2 and 6 hours later, and, subsequently, every 6 hours for a total of 48 hours; n = 10) or an equal volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (9). Gastroduodenoscopy was performed before and after treatment. Endoscopic evidence of gross hemorrhage in the cardia, fundus, antrum, and duodenum of each dog was graded from none (0) to severe (3), and a total stomach score was calculated as the sum of the regional gastric scores. Number of ulcers were recorded. The pH of gastric fluid and evidence of occult gastric and fecal blood were measured. Food retention was recorded.
Results:
Gastric hemorrhage was evident in all dogs after MPSS administration and was severe in 9 of 10 dogs but not visible in any dog after saline treatment. Occult gastric blood was detected more commonly (9/10 vs 2/9), median gastric acidity was greater (pH 1 vs pH 3), and food was retained more commonly (7/10 vs 1/9) in the stomach of MPSS-treated dogs.
Conclusions And Clinical Relevance:
High doses of MPSS cause gastric hemorrhage in dogs. All dogs treated with high doses of MPSS should be treated with mucosal protectants or antacids to prevent gastric hemorrhage.
Insights
High doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) caused severe gastric hemorrhage in healthy dogs. Veterinarians should consider protective treatments for dogs receiving high-dose MPSS to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) are widely used in veterinary medicine.
- Potential adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the gastrointestinal effects of high-dose MPSS in healthy dogs.
- To determine the incidence of ulcers and hemorrhage following MPSS administration.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen healthy hound-type dogs were used in a randomized study.
- Dogs received either high-dose MPSS intravenously or a saline control for 48 hours.
- Gastroduodenoscopy, pH measurement, and occult blood testing were performed.
Main Results:
- All MPSS-treated dogs exhibited gastric hemorrhage, with 90% showing severe signs.
- MPSS administration led to increased gastric acidity and common food retention.
- Occult gastric blood was significantly more prevalent in the MPSS group.
Conclusions:
- High-dose MPSS administration is strongly associated with gastric hemorrhage in dogs.
- Prophylactic use of mucosal protectants or antacids is recommended for dogs receiving high-dose MPSS.
- This study highlights the critical need for gastrointestinal protection during high-dose corticosteroid therapy in canines.
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