Research Summary - 4
Pharmacokinetics of maropitant citrate in healthy boer goats
| Date/Time: |
8/29/2026
16:00
|
| Author: |
Haley C Vaughan |
| Clinic: |
North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Cary, NC 27511 |
H.C. Vaughan, BS
1
;
R.E. Baynes, DVM, PhD
1
;
D.A. Mzyk, DVM, PhD, DACVCP
1
;
1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607
Introduction:
Maropitant citrate is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist that is commonly used for control of emesis and nausea in domestic canine and feline species. Nausea is poorly understood in ruminants; however, nausea-like behavior has been reported in goats following toxic plant exposure, travel, and surgical procedures. Nausea-like behavior in goats is characterized by anorexia, head lowering, eye closure, salivation, and reduced rumination. Previously published studies have shown that sheep exhibit prolonged drug exposure and decreased peak plasma concentrations when compared to dogs following IV administration of NK-1 receptor antagonists, such as maropitant. The pharmacokinetics of maropitant citrate in ruminants has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) maropitant citrate in clinically healthy boer does using a crossover experimental design.
Materials and methods:
Intravenous catheters were placed in both the right and left jugular vein of each goat. Maropitant dosing was performed in one catheter, and blood samples were collected from the contralateral catheter. Each boer goat (n=5) received IV maropitant citrate at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Following a three day washout period, each goat received SC maropitant citrate at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Subcutaneous injections were administered in the axillary region. Plasma samples were collected for 72 hours following both IV and SC administration. Maropitant concentrations were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry.
Results:
Both IV and SC maropitant injections were well tolerated in all goats. Pharmacokinetic data is currently pending. Non-compartmental analyses will be performed to determine pharmacokinetic parameters, including maximum plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration time curve, total systemic clearance, and elimination half-life.
Significance:
The results are critical in understanding the systemic bioavailability of maropitant in small ruminant animal models following SC administration. Further investigation into the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of maropitant citrate in additional ruminant species is warranted to develop an appropriate and effective dosage regimen.
