Horse owner experiences and observations with the use of SGLT2i for the management of equine metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis

Tania Sundra, Erin Kelty, Gabriele Rossi, Guy Lester, David Rendle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are being used increasingly in equine practice. While there is emerging clinical evidence of the safety and efficacy of these drugs, there are currently no reports to document owner experiences with treatment. Objective: The objective of the study was to report owner experiences and observations following treatment with SGLT2i in horses. Study design: A cross-sectional online survey. Methods: Horse owners were recruited via social media, online forums and their veterinarians to participate in an anonymous online survey to document their experiences and observations when treating their horses with SGLT2i. Results: Three hundred forty-two responses met the inclusion criteria. Ertugliflozin was the most commonly prescribed SGLT2i (79.8%), and the most common reasons for treatment were high insulin concentrations (84.2%) and active laminitis (59.7%). 85.3% of owners reported their horses had an improved quality of life after commencing treatment, while 9.4% reported no change and 5.3% reported a worsening of clinical signs. Of owners who had considered euthanasia prior to treatment (n = 77), 80.5% reported their horse's level of pain to be either mild or absent after 30 days of treatment and 94.8% reported their horse's quality of life to be improved. Most owners (n = 220, 64.7%) reported they were either extremely satisfied or somewhat satisfied (n = 72, 21.2%) with treatment. Treatment concerns included safety/side effects, medication cost, availability and long-term efficacy. 114 owners (33.3%) reported one or more initial adverse effects upon induction onto the medication, particularly excessive urination (n = 70, 20.5%), excessive drinking (n = 38, 11.1%), excessive weight loss (n = 34, 9.9%) and dullness (n = 26, 7.6%). Main limitation: Sampling bias through social media and veterinary practices and reliance on subjective owner reports. Conclusion: The use of SGLT2i in horses was associated with excellent rates of owner satisfaction and owner-reported improved quality of life for the horse; however, some adverse effects were observed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEquine Veterinary Education
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2024

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