Page 359 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Administration is by intravenous or intramuscular injection depending on which

preparation is used. Common side effects include licking, yawning, nervousness and colic.
VetBooks.ir Treatment for colic is occasionally needed but in many cases the symptoms are alleviated
with gentle in-hand walking. The treatment may need repeating at 2–6 month intervals.

SODIUM HYALURONATE

An intravenous preparation of sodium hyaluronate may be given weekly for 3 weeks. This
may be of some benefit in reducing the lameness and synovial effusion associated with

inflamed joints.

Intra-articular medications

These treatments are injected directly into the joint following careful preparation and
cleaning of the site. They include the following treatments.

1 SODIUM HYALURONATE

Hyaluronan is a component of articular cartilage and synovial fluid. It is responsible for

lubricating the joint and gives synovial fluid its viscosity. When a joint is inflamed, there is
an increase in synovial fluid production and the hyaluronan is diluted and broken down.

There are several preparations of hyaluronan available for intra-articular injection in the
horse. They have anti-inflammatory effects and may stimulate synthesis of hyaluronan by the

synovial membrane. There are many theories as to how they work, but their mode of action is
still incompletely understood. They are most effective if used early in the course of disease.

2 CORTICOSTEROIDS

Intra-articular corticosteroids are used in arthritic joints because of their potent anti-
inflammatory effects. Their use is often accompanied by a rapid and marked reduction in
pain. Deleterious effects on articular cartilage have been associated with repeated high doses

and insufficient rest periods following injection. These can largely be avoided by lower doses
and judicious use of these preparations.

As corticosteroids have such potent anti-inflammatory effects, there is a risk that early
signs of joint infection following an injection could be delayed with potentially serious

consequences. There is also a small risk of laminitis following intra-articular injection of a
corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are often used in conjunction with hyaluronan.