Sodium hyaluronate in equine traumatic arthritis

Area of Science:

• Equine Sports Medicine
• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Traumatic arthritis is a common debilitating condition in racing Thoroughbreds.
• Intra-articular injections are a key treatment modality for equine joint disease.
• Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance crucial for joint lubrication and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections in treating traumatic arthritis in equine joints.
• To assess the response rate and degree of improvement in arthritic joints following sodium hyaluronate administration.
• To correlate treatment outcomes with the number of injections and specific equine disciplines.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven intra-articular injections of 2 ml sodium hyaluronate were administered to 21 arthritic joints in 15 Thoroughbreds and one polo pony.
• Treatment outcomes were assessed based on joint soundness and performance for racing.
• Clinical and pathological aspects of traumatic arthritis were discussed in relation to treatment.

Main Results:

• 16 out of 21 joints (76%) became sound with a single injection.
• 4 joints (19%) required two injections to achieve soundness.
• 11 joints showed various degrees of improvement, and one joint did not improve.
• 11 of 14 horses (79%) became sound for flat racing.

Conclusions:

• Intra-articular sodium hyaluronate is an effective treatment for traumatic arthritis in equine athletes.
• The viscosupplement demonstrates a high success rate, with most joints responding positively to one or two injections.
• Sodium hyaluronate offers a valuable therapeutic option for improving joint function and enabling return to racing.