It’s easy to find horse health information online.
“Dr. Google” can be a good place to get a broad sense of diseases and conditions that affect our horses. But the Internet and “facts” found there are no substitute for the knowledge and experience of an equine veterinarian. Part of that knowledge is familiarity with the latest research, medicines, supplements and treatments and a keen understanding of the horse who might best be helped by them.
In an era when many pharmaceutical companies are consolidating their animal health divisions, Dechra Equine is doing the opposite. It has a division and extensive product line devoted to horses and the veterinarians who care for them.
Support of initiatives like Not One More Vet is one of several Dechra efforts to help promote mental health and happiness in the equine veterinarian profession. The field has a heartbreakingly high suicide rate and a shortage of new people entering the professional pipeline.
“We are not just about ‘buy our product,’” notes Alex Riddle, Dechra’s Large Animal Marketing spokesperson. “We want to help educate veterinarians about structuring their lives to have balance. I am happy the industry is starting to take an active role in this and to work for a company that’s committed to it.”
With the recent introduction and FDA approval of its intramuscular Zycosan® (pentosan polysulfate sodium injection), Dechra Equine elevates its trusted status with veterinarians to become equally well known among horse owners. Zycosan® joins Dechra’s well-established supplement, Phycox® MAX EQ Joint Supplements, in helping support healthy joints in horses.
Joint Problems are Everywhere!
Joint problems are estimated to cause 60% of lameness cases and it can affect every joint in the horse’s body, from hocks and stifles to the neck and back. It can impact horses of all ages and breeds, is a top cause of poor performance, and can make life uncomfortable at any life stage. Zycosan® is the first and only injectable pentosan polysulfate sodium product for horses to be evaluated and approved by the standards of the Food and Drug Administration for the control of clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis in the horse. [1] The FDA approval helps to convey efficacy, quality, and safety. Since the active ingredient is derived from beech wood, Zycosan® is sustainable and available for consistent supply. It is administered and prescribed by licensed veterinarians.
Zycosan® produces anticoagulant and fibrinolytic effects. This is thought to stimulate hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycan synthesis found in damaged joints, to inhibit proteolytic enzymes involved with swelling and pain and to tackle damaging free radicals.
Caution should be used when NSAIDS are administered concurrently due to the anticoagulant effects of Zycosan. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are injection site reactions, prolongation of coagulation parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)).
A biology degree may be needed to understand these physiological sequences, but the results of a study involving 237 arthritic horses is easy to grasp – More horses in the Zycosan®-treated group had improved lameness grades than those in the control group.
Daily Support
Phycox® MAX EQ is a supplement harnessing the power of phycocyanin in a comprehensive proprietary formula supporting joint health and flexibility. Phycocyanin is a natural antioxidant that has powerful free radical scavenging properties. It supports the body’s normal defense against the harmful effects of free radicals.
Phycox® Max EQ can be purchased through veterinarians and found in local tack and feed stores.
As a maintenance treatment, Phycox® MAX EQ helps combat oxidative stress that horses deal with in their daily exercise. Even when their performance days are over, older horses can still suffer lingering effects of stress on their joints. Phycox® MAX EQ can help them, too.
Dechra is a global enterprise happily aligned with Galway Downs, says Alex Riddle. “Everybody on the equine team, and especially our sales force, rides or trains horses. Our representative in Southern California, Nicole LeGrange, told us about Galway Downs. She is doing a great job out there and she thought it would be good for us.”
Nicole is a veterinary technician and a rider, too. She’ll be at upcoming Galway Downs events to help horse owners understand Dechra’s products and be prepared to discuss options with their horse’s veterinarian.
For more information on Dechra Equine, visit www.dechra-us.com.
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. For intramuscular use in horses only. Not for use in humans. Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a weak anticoagulant. Caution should be used when administering Zycosan if you are taking an anticoagulant. In case of accidental self-injection, seek immediate medical attention. If product comes into contact with skin, rinse skin thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if needed. Horses with hypersensitivity to pentosan polysulfate sodium should not receive Zycosan. Do not use Zycosan concurrently with other anticoagulant drugs. Do not use in horses with clotting disorders or within 24 hours of surgical procedures. Caution should be used when administering this drug before or after strenuous activities. Caution should be used when NSAIDS are administered concurrently due to the anticoagulant effects of Zycosan. If Zycosan and NSAIDS are used concurrently, horses should be monitored for hemorrhage or other clinical signs of abnormal bleeding. The safe use of Zycosan has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses.
The safety of long-term repeat use of Zycosan has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are injection site reactions, prolongation of coagulation parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)). Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com.
Dechra is a registered trademark of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. Phycox® and Zycosan® are registered trademarks of Dechra Limited.