Chronic oral therapy with enalapril in normal ponies

J Vet Cardiol. 2008 Dec;10(2):111-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2008.08.002. Epub 2008 Nov 20.

Abstract

Enalapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is frequently used in human, feline and canine patients with cardiac disease. Its use has been associated with impotence in human patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if enalapril (0.5mg/kg PO, q24h) is likely to alter behavior in stallions and to assess its effect on ACE activity at the standard dose used in dogs and cats. Twelve pony stallions were evaluated by physical examination and echocardiography followed by treatment with enalapril (n=6) or placebo (n=6) for 2 months. After one month, blood was drawn and stored to evaluate ACE activity in the 2 groups. At the end of the study, repeat physical examination and echocardiography were performed. Physical examination, echocardiographic indices, and reproductive performance were unchanged and there was no suppression of ACE activity. Results of this study suggest that enalapril (0.5mg/kg PO, q24h) is either poorly absorbed in the horse or is inadequately converted to the active form of the drug, enalaprilat.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Animals
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Echocardiography / veterinary*
  • Enalapril / administration & dosage*
  • Enalapril / metabolism
  • Enalapril / pharmacokinetics
  • Erectile Dysfunction / chemically induced
  • Erectile Dysfunction / veterinary
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy
  • Heart Diseases / enzymology
  • Heart Diseases / veterinary*
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Horse Diseases / enzymology
  • Horses
  • Intestinal Absorption
  • Male
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism*
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Enalapril
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A