Effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1.2% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses.

ANIMALS

8 horses.

PROCEDURES

Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured (defined as the mean filament length [mm] at which a consistent blink response was elicited) for both eyes of each horse by use of a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. Subsequently, 0.2 mL of 1.2% nalbuphine solution was instilled in 1 randomly selected eye of each horse, and 0.2 mL of artificial tears solution was instilled in the contralateral eye (control treatment). For all 8 horses, CTT of each eye was measured within 1 minute following nalbuphine or artificial tears administration and every 15 minutes thereafter for 60 minutes. For 5 of the 8 horses, CTT was also measured in both eyes at 120 minutes. Changes in CTT values from baseline over time were assessed, as were differences between treated and control eyes.

RESULTS

At any time point, corneal sensitivity following nalbuphine treatment did not differ significantly from control treatment findings. Mean CTTs for nalbuphine-treated and control eyes were 38.8 and 37.9 mm, respectively. In both groups, CTT was significantly lower than baseline value at 15, 45, 60, and 120 minutes. No tearing or redness developed in any eye treated with nalbuphine.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Topical administration of ophthalmic 1% nalbuphine solution had no effect on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses. The topical ocular treatment was not associated with local irritation.