How to use Arthramid Vet - Episode 2

This second episode in our series Dr Leigh de Clifford and Dr Jason Lowe discuss what sets Arthramid Vet apart from other hydrogels, how it works and how veterinarians can use Arthramid Vet in the management of joint lameness and osteoarthritis in horses. Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered the most important musculoskeletal disorder in both humans and horses. From a clinical perspective it is associated with lameness and dysfunction of the affected joint, and approximately 60% of all equine lameness is due to OA. Significant economic loss occurs as a result and coupled with welfare concerns, motivates ongoing research into innovative treatments. The rapid resolution of lameness by a reduction in pain is paramount, but treatments ideally, should also serve to arrest or slow the progression of the disease. The use of an intra-articular 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide (2.5% PAAG- Arthramid® Vet) to treat OA is now well proven. Following injection into the joint 2.5% PAAG is adsorbed into the synovial membrane through a combination of vessel in-growth and molecular water exchange and persists long term in the joint. This significantly improves joint lameness caused by both early (acute) and late (chronic) stages of OA, with clinical trials showing up to 82.5% of cases becoming lame free for up to 24 months. Significantly longer than current treatments.