Therapeutics of musculoskeletal disease in the horse

Therapeutic medications play a crucial role in the successful therapy of many musculoskeletal diseases that occur in horses. For example, appropriate antibiotic therapy is extremely important in the treatment of diseases caused by infections with microorganisms such as botulism, tetanus, osteomyelitis, and muscle abscesses. In addition, numerous prescription medications and nutritional supplements are available for the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses. Many of these agents currently on the market fall into a new class of drugs called SADMO agents. Unfortunately, the efficacy and mechanism(s) of action for many of these agents have not been well defined. There does exist a fair amount of data indicating that the parenterally administered compounds HA and PSGAGs, commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, can decrease the severity of clinical signs and perhaps slow the progression of disease. Although there are fewer data available to support the efficacy of orally administered SADMO agents, these compounds are used commonly by lay people as osteoarthritis therapies. Finally, pharmaceutical agents such as acetozolamide can play an important role in the management of the inherited HYPP condition in horses.