Use of synthetic prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol) for prevention of aspirin-induced gastroduodenal ulceration in arthritic dogs.

A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was performed with 18 arthritic dogs administered aspirin (25 mg/kg of body weight, PO, q 8 h) and excipient (control group) or aspirin and misoprostol (100 micrograms, PO, q 8 h). Dogs in the misoprostol (n = 10) and control (n = 8) groups were primarily compared by use of sequential gastroduodenoscopy, changes in PCV, and prevalence of clinical signs of gastrointestinal disturbance over a 14-day treatment period. The misoprostol/aspirin-treated group had significantly (P < 0.05) less gastroduodenal hemorrhage and ulceration and a significantly (P < 0.05) lower prevalence of vomiting than did the control group.