Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of a cinchophen and prednisolone combination in the dog

The kinetics and efficacy of a cinchophen prednisolone combination preparation (PLT) were assessed in the dog. Cinchophen administered at a dose rate of 12‐5 mg/kg intravenously had a volume of distribution (Vd area) of 0–13 litres/kg, a clearance rate (Cl) of 0–15 litres/h and a half‐life (t 1/2β of 7–92 hours. Following oral administration the bioavailability was 87‐21 per cent. Prednisolone administered at a dose rate of 0–15 mg/kg intravenously had a Vd area of 2–7 litres/kg, a CI of 0–116 litres/h and a t1/2β of 1–11 hours. PLT given to dogs with osteoarthritis at a dosage range of between 25 and 44 mg/kg per day cinchophen and between 0–125 and 0–220 mg/kg per day prednisolone for a maximum of 14 days significantly improved lameness (P<0–001), weight bearing (P<0–005), joint mobility (P<0–01) and stiffness (P<0–001) scores and was similar in clinical efficacy to phenylbutazone.