• A R Schramme, C R F Pinto, J Davis, C S Whisnant, and M D Whitacre.
• North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA.
• Equine Vet. J. 2008 Nov 1;40(7):658-61.

Reason For Performing StudyCurrent therapy protocols to treat persistent post mating endometritis and retained fetal membranes in mares typically include the administration of ecbolic drugs. Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of carbetocin, a long-acting oxytocin analogue, after i.v. administration is required.ObjectivesTo determine the pharmacokinetic parameters (principally half-life) of carbetocin in horses.MethodsFive mature mares and one gelding received 0.175 mg carbetocin i.v. All animals were monitored periodically throughout the study for elevation in rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and signs of pain or discomfort. Plasma samples were collected for determination of carbetocin concentrations by radioimmunoassay.ResultsAdministration of carbetocin was well tolerated by all horses and its half-life was 17.2 min.ConclusionsThe half-life of carbetocin is greater than that previously reported for oxytocin (6.8 min).Potential RelevanceCarbetocin is an attractive alternative to oxytocin therapy in broodmare management.

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