The Effect of Prednisolone and Isoflupredone on Airway Hypersensitivity and Hyperreactivity in Horses with Inflammatory Airway Disease

Abstract

The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of oral prednisolone and intra-muscular isoflupredone on lungfunction and histamine bronchoprovocation tests in horses suffering from IAD. The hypothesis is that prednisolone and isoflupredone are effective in reducing airway hypersensitivity and hyperreactivity. The study had a cross over design and was randomized, using 7 horses diagnosed with IAD. The horses received both drugs for 16 following days with a wash-out period in between. At baseline and after treatment a BAL was performed, total and differential cell count was determined from the fluid obtained. The upper and lower airways were scored on inflammation. Lungmechanics, consisting of a lungfunction test and histamine bronchoprovocation were done at baseline, after one week and after the treatments. Clinical scoring was done by longing the horses and scoring of nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, respiratory effort, nostril flaring and respiratory rate. Prednisolone and isoflupredone both improved significantly lung function in IAD affected horses within 8 days. The horses were significantly less sensitive and reactive to histamine during the bronchoprovocation tests. So, both drugs come up to expectations, and are, just as in RAO affected horses, effective in reducing airway hypersensitivity and hyperreactivity in IAD affected horses.