Effects of post-partum administration of ketoprofen on sow health and piglet growth

The effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen on the post farrowing phase of sows was studied in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Ketoprofen (3 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly to 20 healthy sows for 3 days post-partum (p.p.). The control group (n = 20) received a saline placebo. Backfat, number of days of constipation and days before feed refusal were measured. Body condition (BCS) and shoulder sores were scored for 1 week p.p. Changes in BCS, backfat and shoulder sore scores were analysed with ANOVA. Blood was collected on days −1, 0, 5 and 14 with respect to medication. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA) were quantified and analysed with a Mann-Whitney U test.BCS and backfat decreased less following ketoprofen administration than with the placebo (−0.08 ± 0.2 vs. −0.8 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.8 mm vs. −2.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.05 for both) during the first 2 weeks of lactation. The shoulder sore score deterioration was milder during days 4-6 p.p. with ketoprofen than placebo (P < 0.05). Duration of constipation was shorter with ketoprofen than placebo (5.5 ± 0.3 vs. 6.4 ± 0.3 days p.p.; P < 0.05). Incidences of feed refusal occurred later in the ketoprofen group than in the placebos (9.6 ± 0.9 vs. 3.8 ± 0.8 days p.p.; P < 0.05). AST and SAA values were higher after ketoprofen administration than placebo on day 5 p.p. (P < 0.05). It was concluded that ketoprofen appeared to benefit sows during the first 2 weeks post farrowing, but caused some tissue irritation.