Comparative study of the effects of antitussive drugs in a canine acute cough model

Background Cough is a common clinical complaint in small animal practice with limited treatment options for chronic underlying conditions. Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three antitussive drugs in a novel, minimally invasive canine acute cough model. Methods Five clinically healthy Beagles were used to create an acute cough model by administering sterile saline via a transtracheally placed central venous catheter. Single‐dose antitussive effects of butorphanol, maropitant and Danpron were assessed. Cough frequency was measured before and at hourly intervals up to 3 h post‐administration of each drug, with a linear mixed model used for statistical analysis. Results Butorphanol (0.3 m/kg, IM) significantly reduced cough frequency at 1 and 3 h post‐administration. Danpron (0.1 mL/kg, IM) also significantly reduced cough frequency 1 h post‐administration; however, this effect was not sustained at 3 h. Maropitant (1 mg/kg, IM) did not significantly reduce cough frequency. The cough induction method was effective and minimally invasive, with no adverse effects. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that butorphanol has a potent and prolonged antitussive effect in an acute canine cough model, whereas Danpron shows a transient effect. These findings provide valuable insights into the comparative efficacy of commonly used antitussive drugs in dogs.