The effect of three different doses of sodium pentosan polysulphate on haematological and haemostatic variables in adult horses

Treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses using an intravenous combination of sodium pentosan polysulfate, N-acetyl glucosamine, and sodium hyaluronan

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS), N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and sodium hyaluronan (HA) in horses with induced osteoarthritis (OA).

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental.

ANIMALS

Adult Standard bred horses (n = 16).

METHODS

OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 intercarpal joint; 8 horses were administered 3 mg/kg PPS, 4.8 mg/kg NAG, and 0.12 mg/kg HA (PGH), intravenously (IV), weekly and 8 horses were administered an equivalent volume of saline IV until study completion (day 70). Horses underwent a standardized treadmill exercise program. Clinical and radiographic findings and synovial fluid analysis were evaluated throughout the study. Macroscopic, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical findings were evaluated after necropsy. Comparisons of interest included OA and non-OA joints of saline treated horses and OA joints of PGH treated horses and OA joints of saline treated horses. Results were statistically analyzed with significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS

OA caused increases in clinical assessment scores, synovial fluid variables, radiographic, macroscopic, and histologic cartilage scores, synovial fluid and cartilage chondroitin sulfate 846-epitope and glycosaminoglycan concentration. Total radiographic scores, total macroscopic joint pathology and macroscopic cartilage pathology scores were significantly reduced in horses treated with PGH compared with saline treated horses. Synovial fluid total protein concentration and white blood cell count were higher in OA joints of PGH treated horses compared with saline treated horses. There were no other significant differences between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in macroscopic variables were not supported by other outcomes. Further evidence is needed before PGH can be recommended as a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis in horses.

Evaluation of intramuscularly administered sodium pentosan polysulfate for treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical, radiographic, histologic, and biochemical effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (NaPPS) administered IM for treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses.

ANIMALS

18 horses.

PROCEDURES

Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of all horses. Nine horses received NaPPS (3 mg/kg, IM) on study days 15, 22, 29, and 36. Nine control horses received the same volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IM on study days 15, 22, 29, and 36. Clinical, radiographic, gross, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical findings as well as findings of synovial fluid analysis were evaluated.

RESULTS

No adverse treatment-related events were detected. Induced osteoarthritis caused a substantial increase in lameness, response to flexion, joint effusion, radiographic findings, synovial membrane inflammation, and articular cartilage fibrillation. Articular cartilage fibrillation was substantially reduced by NaPPS treatment, and concentrations of chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope were significantly increased in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic joints of treated horses.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that NaPPS has some beneficial disease-modifying effects and may be a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis in horses.

Surgical repair of a coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca

A female breeding alpaca with acute lameness of the left hindleg was diagnosed with a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation. Repair was achieved using extracapsular stabilisation. Two nylon sutures were passed through a hole drilled in the femoral neck and anchored to the dorsal acetabulum using two screws and two spiked washers. A metal crimp was used to tighten and maintain the sutures. Postoperatively the alpaca was confined to a stall for 4 weeks before being returned to a paddock. At 6 months after surgery the alpaca was free of lameness and was successfully mated.