Horse Health
How do NSAIDs help control osteoarthritis pain and inflammation?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in horses to help control joint pain and inflammation related to equine osteoarthritis.1 Caused by deterioration of cartilage due to trauma, impact injuries, abnormal joint loading, excessive wear or as part of the aging process, equine osteoarthritis is a common health issue in many horses. In fact, lameness as a result of equine osteoarthritis is a major cause of poor performance and early retirement, and can even be found in horses as young as 2 years old.2
How do NSAIDs work?
NSAIDs work by interfering with prostaglandin production through inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX). Prostaglandins play a major role in mediating the pain and inflammation of equine osteoarthritis. Produced in nearly every tissue of the body, it is believed that COX-1 helps to regulate normal function in the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
COX-2, found in damaged and inflamed tissues, is believed to intensify the inflammatory response.1
Coxib class NSAIDs inhibit COX-2 while sparing the beneficial prostaglandins of COX-1. EQUIOXX® (firocoxib), from Merial, is a highly selective COX-2† inhibitor and is approved to relieve joint pain and inflammation from equine osteoarthritis.3,4
†Clinical relevance has not been determined.
Are there any safety concerns?
All NSAIDs have the potential for adverse effects,1 and EQUIOXX is no different. Veterinarians should consider the potential for any harmful effects in their overall management plan for the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis.1
No other equine NSAID has undergone more rigorous safety studies than EQUIOXX.4 A study evaluating clinically relevant side effects showed no significant adverse events when EQUIOXX was used up to five times the recommended dose for 30 days.3 Another study showed no significant effects on hematology, chemistry, urinalysis or bleeding time when EQUIOXX was used above the recommended dose for 92 days.3 Horse owners should talk with their veterinarian to develop the best course of treatment for each horse.
Why use NSAIDs?
Controlling joint pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis can help keep horses sound, comfortable and competing at their highest level. Available by prescription, EQUIOXX provides 24-hour pain relief3 and allows for once-daily administration for up to 14 days.4 What’s more, EQUIOXX has been tested and proven in field and clinical trials and has an excellent safety profile on gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal functions when used at the recommended dose.4
®EQUOXX is the only NSAID approved by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA),5 the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF),6 Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC)7 and Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA)8 when used at the recommended dose at least 12 hours prior to competition. Consult these and other competing organizations for specific guidelines.
As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse’s medical history. A veterinarian should advise horse owners to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity. As a class, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EQUIOXX has not been tested in horses less than 1 year of age or in breeding horses, or pregnant or lactating mares. For additional information please refer to the prescribing information or visit www.equioxx.com.
®EQUIOXX is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2008 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. LAGEEQX844 (04/09).
1Merck Veterinary Manual. Ninth Edition. 2005:2131-2135.
2Schlueter AE, Orth MW. Equine osteoarthritis: a brief review of the disease and its causes. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2004;1(4):221-231.
3Data on file at Merial, “Clinical Experience Report, PHN 471, Target Animal Safety Evaluation, Firocoxib (ML-1,785,713) Oral Paste for Horses.”
4Based on information provided in the FOI summary.
5American Quarter Horse Association. Show rules & regulations. Official Handbook for Rules and Regulations. 2008:128. Available at: http://www.aqha.com/association/registration/pdf/showrules_08.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2008.
6United States Equine Federation. Drugs and Medications Guidelines. 2007:2-3. Available at: http://www.usef.org/documents/competitions/2007/2007DrugsMedsGuidelines.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2008.
7Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors Unapproved Summary of Motions. July 6, 2008. Available at: http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/SummaryofMotions07_06_08.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2008.
8Palomino Horse Breeders of America 2008 Handbook. Available at: http://www.palominohba.com/phbainfo/2008%20Handbook.pdf. Accessed August 25, 2008.
Top of Page
|
