COMPOSITION
120 mg/mL Acetyl glucosamine
75 mg/mL Pentosan polysulfate sodium
3 mg/mL Sodium hyaluronate
ACTIONS
Pentosan polysulfate us a semi-synthetic polysaccharide polymer which possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and chondroprotective properties.
These beneficial effects arise from:
1) Direct anti-inflammatory activity,
2) inhibition of neutrophil migration into joints,
3) stimulation of hyaluronic acid synthesis by synovial fibroblasts which results in a marked increase in synovial volume and viscosity,=
4) stimulation of chondrocytes and the biosynthesis of proteoglycans
5) strong fibrinolytic activity which improves the circulation of subchondral bone and peri-articular structures.
Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG) is a monosaccharide derivative of glucose and is a principal component of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Supplementation of NAG has been shown to help reduce synovitis and chondrocyte damage.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of the GAG HA which forms proteoglycans in the matric of cartilage and provides visco-elastic and lubricating properties to joint fluid. In joint disease, inflammation breaks down HA which results in lowered viscosity of the joint fluid and further influx of inflammatory cells, exacerbating cartilage damage and joint disease. Supplementation of HA helps to restore lubrication of the joint, reduce inflammatory infiltrates and minimise ongoing damage.
Placebo controlled trial: This study was conducted by Professors McIlwraith and Dart at the University of Sydney. Osteoarthritis was created in the carpal joints of 16 horses by the combination of surgical creation of a chip fracture defect in their carpal joint and treadmill exercise. Horses were treated with nine weekly injections of Pentosan Gold & HA or placebo. The horses were evaluated radiographically and for lameness during the study. Cartilage and synovial membrane was evaluated histologically. Cartilage was evaluated for Glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline content.
In joints with a chip, horses receiving Pentosan Gold & HA had lower radiographic scores (less degenerative changes) and lower gross pathological scores (less pathology) compared to horses receiving saline. Cartilage fibrillation score and chondrocyte cloning scores were affected in horses receiving Pentosan Gold & HA supporting a chondroprotective effect. Intimal hyperplasia was reduced in the synovial membrane overlying the chip in the horses treated with Pentosan Gold & HA supporting an anti-inflammatory effect. Overall the significant findings show that Pentosan Gold & HA resulted in anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects.
Field Trials – In Australian trials of Pentosan GOLD® + Halo Injection, veterinarians reported “Good” to “Very Good” response in 81% [67 of 83] of the osteoarthritic horses treated. Positive responses included improved gait, extension, racing performance and attitude. Also reported were reductions in pain on flexion, stiffness, joint effusion and soreness after racing.
When the responses to Pentosan GOLD® + Halo were rated in comparison to the horses’ previous treatments with pentosan polysulfate and/or hyaluronic acid, 86% [63 of 73] were graded as “Better” or “Much Better”.
Intravenous Administration– A multi-dose safety study in horses has demonstrated the safety of Pentosan GOLD & HA when administered intravenously. At normal dosage, mild induced elevation of aPTTT (activated partial thromboplastin time – measure of coagulation) was returned to baseline levels by 8 hours after each weekly injecton during the 6 week trial.
INDICATIONS
As an aid in the treatment of non-infectious inflammatory joint disease in horses.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
This product is supplied in vials for single use only. Unused portion should be discarded immediately after use.
Administer 4 mL/100 kg bodyweight (e.g. 20 mL/500 kg horse) intravenously once weekly for 4 weeks.
