How ArthramidVet® Can Help
ArthramidVet® 2.5% iPAAG Hydrogel is a pioneering treatment. Implanted into the joint itself, rather than simply mask pain, it defies conventional treatments by restoring function and movement to joints.
ArthramidVet® has a unique mechanism of action.The advanced gel acts as a “bio-scaffold” that bonds with the injured tissue and strengthens the joint to provide support and better function of movement.
As a cutting edge treatment, ArthramidVet® is trusted by owners, veterinary professionals and trainers. For use only by veterinarians, Arthramid Vet doesn’t simply sell treatments, but the promise of a healthy, active animal.
• Unique and patented 2.5% iPAAG hydrogel technology.
• Acts as a Bio Scaffold, supporting the joint capsule and restoring joint biomechanics.
• For the treatment of joint lameness including early and late stages of OA.
• Proven efficacy, in multiple clinical trials across all equine disciplines.
• No competition with-hold time (WHT).
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease in horses that can be caused by traumatic injury or even just by the usual wear and tear of daily performance. As the cartilage or cushion between the joint bones breaks down, pain, stiffness and swelling develop causing lameness that can be difficult to resolve and worsens over time. Almost invariably, this osteoarthritis is preceded by synovitis or inflammation (swelling, pain & warmth) of the synovial membrane (joint lining) inside the affected joint.
How ArthramidVet® works
If your horse has synovitis, capsulitis or osteoarthritis, it is likely that ArthramidVet® can be of benefit.
After injection into the joint space, ArthramidVet® hydrogel is adsorbed into the synovial membrane, stabilising the joint capsule, and increasing elasticity which, in turn, reduces the onset and development of synovitis and its harmful effects.
ArthramidVet® essentially recreates the cushion by forming a “scaffold” inside the joint which supports the natural function of the joint capsule and synovium, contributing to reducing the pain of synovitis and osteoarthritis, and ultimately restoring the joint to healthy function. Additionally, the restored health of the synovium promotes improvement in the nature of the synovial fluid within the joint itself.
Studies in racing thoroughbreds (de Clifford & Lowe et al, 2020), demonstrate that 83.3% of horses had a successful resolution of lameness 6 weeks after treatment with ArthramidVet®. In sport horses, 82.5% of lame horses treated with ArthramidVet® were lame-free at 24 months (Tnibar, 2015).
ArthramidVet® Brochure
Owners and Trainers: an introduction to ArthramidVet® for horse owners and trainers. The key facts about this pioneering treatment for joint lameness.
GET THE BROCHURETestimonials
Mike Moroney
BALLYMORE STABLES
Melbourne
We have used Arthramid Vet in Sound after his Spring campaign in 2019, what delighted me the most is that his joints have never looked better.”
Mike Moroney
BALLYMORE STABLES
Melbourne
“We have used Arthramid Vet in Sound after his Spring campaign in 2019, what delighted me the most is that when treated early in the preparation Arthramid maintained his soundness throughout multiple arduous training and racing campaigns and his joints have never looked better. Welfare in racing is paramount in this current environment so by waiving the need to use cortisone and avoiding risks of its adverse effects I have more confidence in keeping my horse’s sound. From a training perspective I am getting more races into a campaign and stronger performances through to the end, it’s fantastic for my horses, my owners and my team.”
We have used Arthramid Vet in Sound after his Spring campaign in 2019, what delighted me the most is that his joints have never looked better.”
Josh Barker
MARGARET PARK
I’ve had nothing but successful outcomes since with Arthramid Vet. ”
Josh Barker
MARGARET PARK
We tried Arthramid Vet a few years ago, in the early stages of its development. We had a 6-year-old warmblood showjumper that was frequently lame in its near hind fetlock. We’d been trying to manage him with cortisone but with limited success. X-rays had shown up an OCD lesion so we had that removed surgically and treated him with Arthramid. Within 2 weeks he was completely sound and stayed sound over a successful competitive season. When he went a little off again in the same fetlock in his early preparation about 12 months later we went straight back in with Arthramid and the horse has never looked back. I’ve had nothing but successful outcomes since with Arthramid Vet. In my opinion, to help manage performance horses, the use of Arthramid to rebuild and strengthen affected joints is a better option than repetitive treatments of corticosteroids that don’t resolve the initial cause of the lameness.
I’ve had nothing but successful outcomes since with Arthramid Vet. ”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What you need to know
Is ArthramidVet® hydrogel safe to use in my horse?
ArthramidVet® is an inert, non-toxic and biocompatible material that is completely safe and stable within the joint. 2.5% Polyacrylamide (2.5% PAAG) has been extensively studied, tested and used safely in horses and humans over many years and ArthramidVet® is approved and registered in New Zealand, Australia, USA and UAE
It can be used to treat lameness and joint pain in synovial joints including coffin joints, pastern joints, fetlock joints, carpal (knee) joints, hock joints and stifle joints.
Are there any side-effects or reactions to the use of ArthramidVet®?
There are no observed side-effects to ArthramidVet®. There is a slight risk (<1:2,500) that your horse may develop a mild transient oedema or tenderness at the treatment site as the tissue integration is occurring. If not caused by infection, these reactions are usually self-limiting and will resolve within a couple of weeks. If this does occur always seek veterinary advice.
Does ArthramidVet® have a withholding time for competition?
No. ArthramidVet® is not a pharmaceutical preparation and its ingredients are not prohibited substances. You can be assured that it will not produce a positive test. In some competition jurisdictions, a withholding time may be imposed on any intra-articular injections. We recommend you discuss this with your veterinarian.
When is the best time to use ArthramidVet®?
ArthramidVet® is effective in both early and late stages of osteoarthritis and the best results are obtained by treating early in the disease process. This allows the product to slow the deterioration of the disease and give your horse a greater chance of continuing in training and meeting its full performance potential.
Can I continue to exercise my horse after treatment with ArthramidVet®?
We recommend a 48-hour rest period immediately after the procedure followed by 2 weeks of light exercise. Swimming, water treadmills and dry treadmills are ideal during this period. After this initial period of lower impact exercise, you should be able to train and compete your horse to the extent you wish, depending on the disease and the response to treatment.
Can I use ArthramidVet® if my horse has already started its preparation?
Yes. To avoid any interruption of the training programme it is best to plan the treatment in advance of exercise and the earlier in the preparation the better. However, as long as the above post-treatment recommendations are followed treatment can be at any stage.
Is ArthramidVet® as effective in treating lameness compared to corticosteroids?
Clinical studies in racing thoroughbreds demonstrate Arthramid Vet is more effective (83.3%) at treating lameness, versus corticosteroids such as Triamcinolone (27.3%), and Hyaluronic Acid (40%) alone.
Keep in mind that ArthramidVet® has a different mode of action and requires 2-4-weeks to allow its full integration into the joint. Patience at this stage will result in a better and longer-lasting soundness and a more cost-effective treatment option of arthritis in for your horse.
Note. Veterinarians may still consider using other IA medications with the treatment of ArthramidVet® taking place 2-4 weeks before or afterwards, depending on what condition is being treated. Use of NSAID’s with ArthramidVet® may also be useful and carries no contra-indications.
How quickly does ArthramidVet® work?
ArthramidVet® begins to work immediately but it takes 2-4 weeks to fully integrate into the joint. Lameness will gradually subside over this period. It is important to remember that ArthramidVet® does not treat the symptoms of lameness (e.g. masking the pain) rather it works to remove the underlying cause of the lameness. It requires a more patient approach but provides a superior and longer-lasting effect to conventional treatments.
How often do I need to use ArthramidVet®?
In most cases, only one treatment of ArthramidVet® is required in a campaign or season. In about 15% of lameness cases (partial responders), a second top-up treatment may be required. It is very common that horses remain lame-free over the course of several competitive seasons. Your veterinarian will be able to explain dose rates as these vary between different joints and the severity of the arthritis.
Who can use ArthramidVet®?
ArthramidVet® is a registered veterinary medicine for intra-articular use only it is only available by prescription from your veterinarian and must be administered only by qualified veterinarians.
Can I use ArthramidVet® for Sacroiliac joint pain in horses?
No. ArthramidVet® is not indicated in the treatment of sacroiliac disease in horses. The sacroiliac joint is what is called a ‘synarthrosis’ joint that is essentially immobile. This type of joint provides for a strong connection between the adjacent bones, and enables transfer of the load from the hind limbs to the spine. Arthramid Vet is indicated in synovial or arthrodial and high motion joints.
Sacroiliac disease is often managed successfully with a controlled exercise programme, addressing underlying lameness issues in the distal limb, addressing any back or tack/ rider issues, and with the use of corticosteroids and/or anti-inflammatories.
What is a typical rehab programme for a competition or sport horse after treatment with Arthramid® Vet?
We always recommend stall rest for 48 hours immediately after treatment.
Then typically;
Hand walk 5 days.
Week 2: walking (by hand or under rider if lameness permits) for 20 minutes + 3 minutes trot.
Week 3: walking 20 min + 6 min trot
Week 4 walking 20 min + 9 min trot.
Week 5 forward: if lamefree, start canter exercises and a return to normal work is expected by 6 weeks. If the lameness has not resolved consult with your veterinarian to reassess the diagnosis.
