Effects of post partum administration of ketoprofen on sow health and piglet growth

Abstract

The effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen on the post-farrowing phase of sows was studied in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Ketoprofen (3 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly to 20 healthy sows for 3 days post partum (p.p.). The control group (n=20) received a saline placebo. Backfat, number of days of constipation and days before feed refusal were measured. Body condition (BCS) and shoulder sores were scored during a week p.p. Changes in BCS, backfat and shoulder sore scores were analysed with ANOVA. Blood was collected on days -1, 0, 5 and 14 with respect to medication. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA) were quantified and analysed with a Mann-Whitney U test. BCS and backfat decreased less following ketoprofen administration than with the placebo (-0.08 ± 0.2 vs. -0.8 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.8 mm vs. -2.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, P<0.05 for both) during the first 2 weeks of lactation. The shoulder sore score deterioration was milder during days 4-6 p.p with ketoprofen than with the placebo (P<0.05). Duration of constipation was shorter with ketoprofen than with the placebo (5.5 ± 0.3 vs. 6.4 ± 0.3 days p.p. P<0.05). Incidences of feed refusal occurred later in the ketoprofen than in the placebo group (9.6 ± 0.9 vs. 3.8 ± 0.8 days p.p., P<0.05). AST and SAA were higher after ketoprofen than placebo on day 5 p.p. (P<0.05). Ketoprofen benefits sows during the first 2 weeks post farrowing, but apparently causes some tissue irritation.