treated horses on days 9 through 14, compared with control horses (6.84 1.67 and 8.68 1.1, respectively). In addition, during the second week, atropine-treated horses passed fewer beads over 96 h compared with controls (53.5 28.11 and 71.8 25.45%, respectively). The number of intestinal contractions, recorded during ultra- sound examination, was not different. Horses treated with topical ocular atropine sulfate (2 mg, every 6 h) for 2 weeks showed decreased borbo- rygmi and delayed transit time by the second week of treatment. Atropine sulfate administered to the eye and stall confinement might predispose horses to decreased GI motility, transit time, and colic.
Acknowledgments
Declaration of Ethics The Authors have adhered to the Principles of the Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA.
Conflict of Interest The Authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Funding Source
This study was partially funded by a grant from the Charles V. Cusimano Equine Health Studies Pro- gram (EHSP) Research Grants, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine.
