title: Treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses using an intravenous combination of sodium pentosan polysulfate, N-acetyl glucosamine, and sodium hyaluronan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS), N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and sodium hyaluronan (HA) in horses with induced osteoarthritis (OA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult Standard bred horses (n = 16).
  
  
  METHODS
  OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 intercarpal joint; 8 horses were administered 3 mg/kg PPS, 4.8 mg/kg NAG, and 0.12 mg/kg HA (PGH), intravenously (IV), weekly and 8 horses were administered an equivalent volume of saline IV until study completion (day 70). Horses underwent a standardized treadmill exercise program. Clinical and radiographic findings and synovial fluid analysis were evaluated throughout the study. Macroscopic, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical findings were evaluated after necropsy. Comparisons of interest included OA and non-OA joints of saline treated horses and OA joints of PGH treated horses and OA joints of saline treated horses. Results were statistically analyzed with significance set at P < .05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OA caused increases in clinical assessment scores, synovial fluid variables, radiographic, macroscopic, and histologic cartilage scores, synovial fluid and cartilage chondroitin sulfate 846-epitope and glycosaminoglycan concentration. Total radiographic scores, total macroscopic joint pathology and macroscopic cartilage pathology scores were significantly reduced in horses treated with PGH compared with saline treated horses. Synovial fluid total protein concentration and white blood cell count were higher in OA joints of PGH treated horses compared with saline treated horses. There were no other significant differences between treatment groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improvements in macroscopic variables were not supported by other outcomes. Further evidence is needed before PGH can be recommended as a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis in horses.
authors.affiliation: Research and Clinical Training Unit, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, Australia.
authors.forename: Toby J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Koenig
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Dart
authors.forename: C Wayne
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: McIlwraith
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Horadagoda
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Perkins
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dart
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krockenberger
authors.forename: Leo B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Jeffcott
authors.forename: Christopher B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Little
mesh_terms: D000117:Acetylglucosamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006736:Horses; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D000117:Acetylglucosamine