Evaluation of the brain, renal, and hepatic effects of flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone administration in Iranian fat-tailed sheep.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the brain, renal, and hepatic effects of three NSAIDs (flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone) when administered IV to clinically normal Iranian fat-tailed sheep.

Methods: The experiments were conducted on twenty clinically normal adult female sheep. Sheep were randomly assigned to four groups: saline (n = 5), flunixin meglumine (n = 5), ketoprofen (n = 5), and phenylbutazone (n = 5). Drug administration was initiated at 8 AM: on day 1 and continued every 12 h for 12 days. Flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone were administered at dose rate of 2.2, 4, and 4 mg/kg, respectively. Daily blood and urine samples were collected from all sheep for hematologic, enzymes activity, and urinalysis. Immediately after euthanasia, complete necropsy was performed on all sheep and gross lesions were recorded.

Results: Clinical, hematological, serum, and urine analysis and histopatholgical findings were described.

Conclusion: When the use of these compounds is contemplated in clinical cases, the risk of adverse effects and the comparative toxic potential should be considered, along with the efficacy of the compound for the condition being treated.