Product Description

Concentrated anti-inflammatory and stimulant of cartilage synthesis, repair and protection (250 mg/mL). 

Composition
Contains: Sodium Pentosan Polysulfate 250 mg/mL 

Features and Benefits
Sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a linear polymer prepared from xylan, a complex hemicellulose extract of plant (Beechwood) origin. PPS is one of the sulfated heparinoid compounds. The heparin-like anti-coagulant effects have been reduced and the anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and tissue trophic effects have been enhanced.
PENTOSAN EQUINE actively reverses the effects of osteoarthritis in the joints via a series of actions, including:
(a) Stimulating Chondrocyte Metabolism - resulting in increased production of proteoglycans and healthy cartilage matrix. PPS stimulates synovial fibroblasts to produce increased amounts of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid which results in an increased production of normally viscous joint fluid. Improving the fluid volume and consistency results in more effective joint lubrication and stabilisation, which limits further cartilage damage.
(b) Anti-inflammatory Activity - PPS has an inhibitory action on all mediators of the arachidonic acid cascade. PPS also inhibits the lysosomal catabolic enzymes hyaluronidase, histamine, cathepsin B, and polymorphonuclear elastase. PPS exerts a specific inhibitory effect on mediators implicated in the degradation of cartilage matrix components, preserving the cartilage and preventing the release of the highly inflammatory mediators, thus relieving pain and inflammation.
(c) Fibrinolysis and Lipolysis - PPS is strongly fibrinolytic, stimulating the release of plasminogen activator, and promoting the dissolution of thrombi and fibrin deposits in synovial tissues and subchondral blood vessels. PPS also mobilises lipids and cholesterol in synovial and subchondral blood vessels, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in older animals. These effects combine to increase the prefusion to the joint, which stimulates cartilage healing and repair.
PENTOSAN EQUINE is a sophisticated approach to the long term management of osteoarthritis in horses.
PENTOSAN EQUINE is equally effective by both intramuscular and intra-articular injection. Unlike traditional treatments, the unique effects of PENTOSAN EQUINE promote healing and the restoration of a healthy joint, in addition to having a safe antiinflammatory effect.
PENTOSAN EQUINE is NOT a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Phenylbutazone, or the cortisones (both of which have damaging effects on joints with prolonged use). PENTOSAN EQUINE does not suppress joint cartilage healing and repair.
Rather than simply masking pain, PPS directly stimulates joint healing and repair.
Anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids and NSAIDs all relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis but DO NOT ALTER THE DISEASE PROCESS. Both hydrocortisone and NSAIDs have a marked inhibitory effect on the biosynthesis of the components of the extracellular matrix of cartilage, which limits the early healing response of cartilage to injury.

Indications
Non-infectious inflammatory joint disease, traumatic arthritis, degenerative cartilaginous joint disease, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis dessicans in horses. 

Dosage and Administration
Administer at a dose rate of 3 mg/kg bodyweight (1.5 g / 500 kg horse), by intramuscular injection, at 5 - 7 day intervals for four injections. PENTOSAN EQUINE is equally effective when given by intramuscular or intra-articular injection.
If intra-articular use is required, administer 1mL by sterile intra-articular injection. PPS has an affinity for cartilage, and active drug levels will accumulate for several days after administration. For maximum effect, tissues should be exposed to the drug over an extended period, hence the four injections. A period of improvement for up to 6 months following a course of four injections may be expected. If at any time during this period the horse becomes sore (e.g. following a particular activity), it is safe to administer a further injection to settle any inflammatory process.
PENTOSAN EQUINE is particularly effective, and displays synergy with, concurrent use of COSEQUIN EQUINE (Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement), to provide the essential raw materials for joint repair and maintenance.