Texas Equine Veterinary Association

The Remuda | Fall 2023 Edition 23 For nearly 15 years, ArthramidVet, a 2.5% iPAAG (polyacrylamide) hydrogel, has been used to manage synovitis and related arthritis discomfort in horses in a variety of disciplines, from FEI level Olympic dressage horses and internationally winning flat racing Thoroughbreds to the best reining horses in the world including many who recently competed at the 2023 Run for a Million in Las Vegas, Nevada. Using the advanced hydrogel technology that is injected directly into the joint, ArthramidVet creates a long-lasting, augmenting effect on the synovium and joint capsule by forming a bio-scaffold that allows new synovial tissue to grow. Studies have shown this results in increased capsular elasticity and tensile strength facilitated by synovial incorporation1, all of which leads to improved synovial function – the foundation for healthy joints. ArthramidVet has become the joint health therapy of choice for many vets around the world who use it to manage synovitis and arthritis in the hock, stifle, coffin joint, pastern, carpus, fetlock, cervical facets, and other synovial joints. Over the years, the effectiveness, and long-lasting results of ArthramidVet has set the standard for equine joint health in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is quickly proving its place as a first line treatment for joint health in the United States as well. As ArthramidVet grows in popularity in the United States, practitioners are reaching for this advanced hydrogel technology earlier in the disease process, following the example of equine practitioners around the world who reach for ArthramidVet as their first line of treatment for managing synovitis and osteoarthritis in their equine athletes. We are often so focused on the cartilage that we forget about the role the synovium plays in the progression of OA. Imbalances between the anabolic and catabolic processes in the joint, when left unaddressed, contribute to the progression of OA. It is also important to remember that all stages of OA, whether that be synovitis, capsulitis, or advanced osteoarthritis, all have a synovitis component present. With the early use of ArthramidVet, we can better manage these imbalances, allowing for the joint to return to homeostasis much earlier in the disease process. We often hear from long- time users of ArthramidVet, "An Arthramid treated joint is easier to manage over the course of a horse's career," Equine practitioners have many treatment options when considering what to use to manage their synovitis and osteoarthritis cases, including orthobiologics, "cushioning" products, synthetics, and traditional therapeutics such as steroids and hyaluronic acid. Having so many options can create "choice overload," and often vets will put the choice in the hands of their clients rather than recommending the "best medicine." It is important to understand the unique features and benefits of the therapeutics available in order to make the most informed decision possible to recommend the best treatment protocol for the case being managed. It is also important to remember that your clients come to you for your guidance, and they truly value your recommendations as their veterinarian, and often, if asked what you would use if you were treating your own horse, they would follow your lead. Remember this the next time you are hesitant to recommend a treatment to a client! ArthramidVet® and ArthramidVet® and Synovitis: Proven Synovitis: Proven Science. Proven Science. Proven Resul ts. Resul ts.

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