Effect of Flunixin Meglumine on the Breakdown of the Blood-Aqueous Barrier Following Paracentesis in the Canine Eye

ABSTRACT

The protein and PGE₂ metabolite content of the aqueous humor from untreated and flunixin meglumine pretreated dogs was determined prior to and after anterior chamber paracentesis. In the untreated dogs the concentrations of protein and PGE₂ metabolite in aqueous humor were greatly elevated secondary to paracentesis. Intravenously administered flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg or 2.2 mg/kg) significantly reduced these inflammatory parameters, confirming that prostaglandins are involved in the stability of the blood-aqueous barrier by paracentesis in the canine eye. The clinical implication of these results is that intravenous adminstration of flunixin meglumine before intraocular surgery should be considered as an adjunct therapy to reduce intraoperative and postoperative uveitis.