Adequan Brand Of Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)

Solution 250 mg/ml For intraarticular use in horses

Oescription: Each milliliter of Adequan" contains 250 mg of Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan and water for injection qs. Sodium Hydroxide or Hydroch(oric Acid added when necessary to adjust pH. Pharmacology: Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan is chemically similar to the mucopelysaceha rides of carlilagenous tissue. It is a potent proteolytic enzyme inhibitor and diminishes or reverses the processes which result in the loss of cartilageeous muco- polysaccharides. PSGAG improves joint function bystimulating synovial membrane activity, reducing synevial protein levels and increasing synovial flui(I viscosity in traumatized equine carpal joints. Toxicity: Toxicity studies were conducted in horses. Doses as high as 1.250 mg were administered intracarpally to 6 horses once a week for 18 weeks This dosage is 5 times the recom- mended dosage and 36 times the recommended therapeutic regimen Clinical observations revealed a soreness and swelling in 1.8% (2 of 109 animals) at the injection site which was mild, self limiting and lasted less than one day There was a dose re- lated elevation on partial thromboplastin time, creabnine and glucose. No animal had any clinical illness during the trial and none showed clinical evidence of toxicity except for transient swelling at the injection site, possibly doe to mechanical inva- sion of the joint. Indication: Adequan" is recom mended for the Ireatment of non- infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal joint in horses Conlraindications: Do not use in horses showing hypersensi- tivity to Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. Warning: Not for use in horses intended for food Dosage and Administratioo: The recommended dose el Ade- quart" in horses is 250 mg (t ampule} once a week for five weeks, intraar ticularly. The joint area must be shaved, cleansed and sterilized as in a surgical procedure prior to injection. Do not mix Adequan • with other drugs or solvents. Precautions: After intraarticular treatment, reactions in the joint may occur within 48 hours post-inlection. If the joint reacts with excessive inflammation, cease therapy with Adequan" Serious reactions of this type may indicate the pres- ence of joint infection. Appropriate antibacterial therapy should be initiated if joint infection is suspected or confirmed. Exces- sive joint inflammation may be manifested by tenderness, swell- ing and warmth at the Jnflammed site Impairment of Fertility: Fertility impairment studies in mares and stallions have not been conducted Do not use in horses in- tended for breeding. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order o1 a licensed veterinarian. How Supplied: Adequan" solution, 250 mg'ml is available in 1 ml glass ampules, boxes o1 six Storage Conditions: Store in a cool place.

~ 1 ~ UITPOLD PHARMACEUTICALS, Inc, Animal Health Division Shirley, N.Y. 11967 Made in USA.

E d i t o r i a l

THE B R O A D E N I N G OF EQUINE SPORTS MEDICINE

The past five years has seen the crystalization of the discipline we now call equine sports medicine. The concept as we know it today was probably never envisioned by one individual in the beginning. At first, it was just a new innovation of practice or an exciting idea in physiological research to those who became involved. A few horse trainers, with a desire to break from tradition, began to apply some of the same principles of athletic training that had become common in human sports.

Before long groups began to form; professionals with a common interest organized and started holding seminars and symposia. These groups had diverse interests. There was the International Committee on Equine Exercise Physiology (ICEEP); a group of researchers in physiology who saw a fruitful field of endeavor in the equine area. The Association for Equine Sports Medicine (AESM) was formed, mainly by veterinarians for veterinarians to advance the development of equine sports medicine. The American Association of Equine Practitioners appointed a committee on Equine Sports Medicine, which has become very active in promoting the discipline. Animal Science physiologists have also become interested in the discipline and have dedicated a large segment of their annual symposium this year to equine sports medicine. There is talk of other organizations forming to promote equine sports medicine.

There has been a tendency as each group forms for the members to feel that their organization should be all things to everybody in sports medicine. The ICEEP is trying to bring the best and latest information about equine exercise physiology together in symposia every four years. The AESM holds annual meetings featuring speakers on equine sports medicine, especially exercise physiology. The AAEP Sports Medicine Commit tee has, so far, been primarily concerned with coordinating efforts of both of these groups; plans are underway for a joint meeting in 1986 involving efforts from these three organizations.

In my opinion, it is good that there are diversified groups developing and comminicating their interests in equine sports medicine. Trainers have something to offer. Animal scientists have a perspective that veterinarians sometimes neglect. If equine sports medicine is to broaden its scope, its usefulness and its effectiveness, there must be more than one or two organizations dedicated to the discipline. Each organization tends to develop a unique point of view or approach to its area of interest. This can only be good for the discipline of equine sports medicine. WEJ

V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 1 3 3