Pharmacodynamics of Ketoprofen Versus Flunixin Meglumine in Controlling Endotoxin-Induced Fever in Cattle in Plateau State

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used to manage fever and systemic inflammation in cattle with bacterial infections. Flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen are among the most commonly used NSAIDs in Nigerian bovine practice, but direct comparative pharmacodynamic studies under local conditions are lacking, leaving practitioners without evidence-based drug selection guidance. This study compared the pharmacodynamics of ketoprofen and flunixin meglumine in controlling endotoxin-induced fever and systemic inflammation in cattle at an experimental farm in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Thirty White Fulani cattle were allocated to three groups of 10 each: endotoxin control receiving intravenous lipopolysaccharide at 0.1 micrograms per kilogram body weight, flunixin meglumine at 2.2 mg/kg intravenously, and ketoprofen at 3 mg/kg intravenously. NSAID treatment was administered 30 minutes before endotoxin challenge. Rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and plasma concentrations of thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and serum amyloid A were measured at intervals over 12 hours. Both NSAIDs significantly attenuated the febrile response compared with endotoxin controls. Flunixin meglumine produced significantly greater inhibition of thromboxane B2 synthesis and more rapid reduction in body temperature during the first four hours. Ketoprofen achieved equivalent antipyresis by six hours with superior inhibition of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. Serum amyloid A elevation was similarly attenuated by both drugs. Both drugs maintained acceptable safety profiles. These results suggest that flunixin meglumine may be preferred when rapid fever reduction is required, while ketoprofen offers comparable longer-term anti-inflammatory control in bovine endotoxaemia. Keywords: flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, endotoxaemia, fever, cattle.