Page 288 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone are sometimes necessary to

allow the horse to exercise in the initial treatment period or if the disease is advanced. The
VetBooks.ir lowest effective dose should be used. In some cases medication is only necessary when the
horse is ridden.

ISOXUPRINE

Isoxuprine is a drug that causes dilation of blood vessels and may improve blood flow
through the foot. It is administered orally. Some horses improve or become sound while on

the treatment and may remain sound for up to a year after discontinuation of the medication.
Other horses require continuous treatment. The treatment is most likely to have a beneficial

effect in horses that are in the early stages of the disease. Those with advanced X-ray changes
are unlikely to respond.

INTRA-ARTICULAR MEDICATION

Hyaluronan and/or corticosteroids injected into the coffin joint result in a temporary
improvement in some cases. Injection of corticosteroids into the navicular bursa may give
relief for 2–5 months.

BISPHOSPHONATES

Bisphosphonates are medications that inhibit resorption of bone. Some horses with navicular
syndrome show reduced lameness following their administration. Two preparations are

available:
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• Tiludronic acid (Equidronate /Tildren ) is given intravenously in a drip over a period of
45–60 minutes.

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• Clodronic acid (Osphos ) is given by intramuscular injection at two or three sites.

With both medicines, some horses experience mild agitation or colic symptoms afterwards.
Neither should be used in pregnant or lactating mares or horses or ponies under 4 years of

age, nor should they be given to animals with kidney problems or electrolyte imbalances.

NUTRACEUTICALS
Supplements containing chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine are reported to benefit some

horses.

Surgical treatment