Investigation on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a 0.4% topical stannous fluoride preparation (MedEquine Gel) for the treatment of bacterial skin infections in horses: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This study tested a topical stannous fluoride gel’s effectiveness in treating bacterial skin infections in horses. The gel proved to be successful without presenting any adverse effects, thus suggesting it as an effective and safe treatment option.

Research Design

The research was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. To preserve objectivity, both the horse owners and investigators were not aware of the treatment groups’ allocation.

• The trial involved twenty privately owned horses diagnosed with bacterial skin infections through physical examination and cytological testing.
• The horses were randomly designated to either a placebo group or to an active treatment group, receiving the MedEquine gel.
• The gel was applied daily for a period of four weeks.

Data Collection

The data collection involved regular hypodermic evaluations and cytology.

• The same investigator performed the clinical evaluations at the start and conclusion of the treatment.
• A weekly assessment of pruritus (itching), a common symptom of skin infections, was scored by the horse owners.

Results

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the MedEquine gel in treating bacterial skin infections in horses.

• The stannous fluoride gel treatment significantly reduced both the clinical scores assigned by the investigator and the itching scores recorded by the owners.
• There were no notable changes in the control group that received the vehicle treatment.
• By the end of the trial, none of the horses receiving the MedEquine gel needed additional therapy.
• Conversely, four out of ten horses in the control group required systemic therapy to fully treat their infection.
• No adverse effects were reported in any group.

Practical Implications

Aside from demonstrating its effectiveness, this study also highlights the practical benefits of the MedEquine gel.

• The gel formulation improved compliance from the owners when compared to the traditional bathing regimen.
• It allowed for spot treatment, beneficial in cases of localized infection.
• Owners reported the positive effects originating from the easy application and convenience of the treatment.

Conclusions

From this clinical trial, the 0.4% stannous fluoride gel, MedEquine, is found to be an effective and safe topical treatment for bacterial skin infections in horses.