Support Equine Joint Health with Sodium Hyaluronate

HYLARTIN V(R) (sodium hyaluronate) Controls Non-Infectious Joint Disease

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Equine Resources International, LLC

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New York, NY (July 9, 2009)–For the equine athlete, joint health is a crucial element that can affect all types of performance. Degenerative joint disease, arthritis and other conditions can lead to pain and inflammation in affected joints. Veterinarians may consider an injection of sodium hyaluronate to help maintain the integrity of these joints and to control existing non-infectious joint disease.

High molecular weight sodium hyaluronate exists in large concentrations in the synovial fluid that surrounds all joints. If the synovial membrane around the joint becomes inflamed, the inflammatory response releases enzymes that can degrade existing cartilage and breaks down natural hyaluronate–which serves as lubrication between bones and other joint tissues. The injection of sodium hyaluronate replenishes the supply within the joint and helps to promote normal joint function. Using HYLARTIN V(R) (sodium hyaluronate) Injection, which offers the highest molecular weight available, helps to lubricate joint tissues, reduce friction and improve joint action.

“The molecular weight of injected sodium hyaluronate is important because high molecular weight products will mimic the action of natural hyaluronate within the joint, which forms a barrier and cushion of long, intertwined molecules,” said Bobby Cowles, DVM, MS MBA, Area Veterinarian, Pfizer Animal Health. “High molecular weight products, such as HYLARTIN V, are also more likely to deliver results that last for a longer period of time1,2, reducing the need to re-inject the joint.”

While joint injections are relatively routine procedures, there is always the chance for infection at the injection site, in addition to the cost associated with each procedure. Therefore, veterinarians and horse owners usually try to inject joints as few times as possible to achieve the desired effects.

“Low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate may not provide the same level of joint protection that higher molecular weight products can,” said Cowles. “It’s important to discuss your options with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for each horse.”

To determine if lameness is regionalized in a particular joint, a veterinarian may use palpation, flexion tests and diagnostic blocks. Once determined, the veterinarian may recommend the injection of sodium hyaluronate as part of a treatment regimen.

HYLARTIN V is approved to treat non-infectious synovitis–the inflammation of the synovial membrane–in horses and is backed by documented safety data. As with all intra-articular injections, occasional mild side effects may include heat, transient edema and pain around the injection site. For full prescribing information, go to www.equineresources.com/pdf/HylartinVinformation.pdf.

Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE), the world’s largest research-based biomedical and pharmaceutical company, also is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Animal Health is dedicated to improving the safety, quality and productivity of the world’s food supply by enhancing the health of livestock and poultry; and in helping horses and pets to live longer and healthier lives. For additional information on Pfizer Animal Health’s portfolio of equine products, visit www.PfizerAH.com.

REFERENCES:

1) White GW, Stites T, Hamm J, Pool R. Evaluation of the efficacy of various preparations of sodium hyaluronate in an induced equine carpitis model. JEVS 1999; 19(5):331-337.

2) Phillips MW. Clinical trial comparison of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate products in the horse. JEVS 1989; 9(1):39-40.