Tiludronate infusion in horses previously submitted to bone scintigraphy

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the systemic short-term effects of tiludronate intravenous infusion on serum biochemical variables when administered as one single-dose in horses that undergo bone scintigraphy within 24 to 36 hours prior to treatment. Thirty-eight horses were enrolled in the study. Fifteen horses received a dose of technetium (0.3 mCi/kg), MDP (20 mg; medronate) and another fifteen horses received technetium (0.3 mCi/kg), MDP (20 mg), and furosemide (1 mg/kg). Then, 24 to 36 hours after the bone scintigraphy, eight horses were selected and received tiludronate (500 mg in 5L of 0.9% NaCl). Blood samples were collected 15 minutes prior, 24 and 48 hours after the treatment and a chemistry panel was assayed on the day of collection. Serum chemistry values were not significantly different between horses receiving tiludronate and those in both control groups. Additionally, one horse showed mild transient signs of colic recorded as pacing and stretching in the stall after 3 hours the injection of the tiludronic acid. The results suggest that tiludronate can be administered safely as one single dose in horses having undergone recent bone scintigraphy without additional complications or detrimental effect other than those previously described for the drug.