2.5% PAAG for managing intercarpal joint lameness in horses- AAEP Presentation 2019

Dr Leigh de Clifford BVSc CertAVP PGDipVPS MSc MRCVS

Article posted by Nancy S Loving DVM, in Equi Management. 30 Mar, 2020.

This was a presentation at the 2019 AAEP Convention that looked at Arthramid Vet as a new management tool for equine intercarpal joint osteoarthritis in racing TB’s.

New treatments for osteoarthritis are always welcomed, and many times a cutting-edge product is presented at AAEP to advise practitioners of the possibilities to manage the equine athlete, with up to 60% of all lameness being attributable to osteoarthritis. One of the discussion topics at the 2019 AAEP Convention focused on intra-articular administration of 2.5% polyacrylamide (PAAG) hydrogel (Arthramid Vet).

The 2.5% PAAG hydrogel (Arthramid Vet) is hydrophilic, homogenous, biocompatible and viscoelastic. It maintains its volume through continual exchange of water with the surrounding tissues. Following injection, cells are able to integrate into the gel through blood vessel ingrowth, collagen deposition and water exchange. The hydrogel does not become encapsulated, but rather integrates within the tissues to stabilize the joint capsule and synovium while also increasing joint capsule elasticity to achieve improvements superior even to a normal joint.

Read more: Published in EquiManagement 30 March 2020, written by Nancy S Loving DVM