The concurrent use of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel and betamethasone esters for intra-articular injection is well tolerated in 10 healthy horses.
Abstract: This study assessed the safety and tolerability of concurrent intra-articular (IA) injection of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5% iPAAG) and betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate esters (BME) in the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJs) of healthy horses. Methods: 10 healthy therapeutic riding horses were enrolled in this open-label safety study from August 1 to September 14, 2023. Inclusion criteria required normal physical examinations, insulin level, hematology, biochemistry, soundness at all gaits, and negative forelimb flexion tests. Screening occurred from days -14 to -0. Each horse received a single IA injection of 1 mL of 2.5% iPAAG and 1 mL of BME (6 mg/mL) into the right MCPJ on day 0. Posttreatment veterinary assessments (days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30) included physical examinations, joint-specific evaluations (skin temperature, fetlock circumference at the level of the MCPJ), soundness assessments, and adverse event monitoring. Caretaker observation diaries (days 0 through 30) were also reviewed. Results: No adverse events occurred, and all horses remained clinically sound. Joint circumference remained stable without evidence of effusion. Transient increases in skin temperature on days 2, 3, 7, and 14 correlated with ambient temperature changes, returning to baseline by day 30. Caretaker observations supported clinical findings. Conclusions: Concurrent IA administration of 2.5% iPAAG and BME was safe and well tolerated in the right MCPJ of healthy horses, with no evidence of local or systemic adverse effects. Conclusions: This therapy combines BME's short-term anti-inflammatory effects with 2.5% iPAAG's long-term synovial integration, warranting further evaluation in diseased joints.
Publication Date: 2025-01-31 PubMed ID: 39892403DOI: 10.2460/javma.24.10.0651Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Clinical Trial
- Veterinary
Summary
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The study investigates the safe use of a combined treatment involving polyacrylamide hydrogel and betamethasone esters in horses. It was found that this treatment was well tolerated, without adverse effects, suggesting it could be beneficial for joint health.
Study Methodology
- The research was a safety study, focusing on intra-articular injection (IA) within the metacarpophalangeal joints of healthy horses.
- The treatment in focus was a combination of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG) and betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate esters (BME).
- The study selected 10 healthy riding horses and established strict inclusion criteria, such as normal physical examinations, suitable insulin levels, soundness across all gaits, and normal forelimb flexion.
- Over a predetermined period, each horse received a single IA injection of the combined treatment into the right MCPJ. Veterinary assessments monitored physical condition and potential adverse effects.
- The caretaker provided daily observation diaries, which contributed to the recorded results.
Results
- The study found that no adverse events occurred during the entire process, and all horses remained clinically sound.
- While there were fluctuations in skin temperature, they correlated with ambient temperature changes and returned to baseline by the end of the study.
- The joint circumference of the horses remained stable, indicating no abnormal joint swelling or effusion.
- The caretaker diaries supported the clinical findings, augmenting the validity of the results.
- In summary, the combination IA injection was safely administered and well tolerated by all horses.
Conclusions and Future Implications
- The outcome of this study supports the simultaneous use of 2.5% iPAAG and BME as a safe treatment for MCPJs in horses.
- It suggests that it might be a potential benefit in combining BME’s short-term anti-inflammatory effects with the long-term synovial integration afforded by 2.5% iPAAG.
- However, the researchers suggested, this combination therapy needs further evaluation under other conditions like diseased joints.
Cite This Article
APA
Whitaker B, Barnhard JA, Webb KR, Levine D, Green MM, Vieira MR.
(2025).
The concurrent use of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel and betamethasone esters for intra-articular injection is well tolerated in 10 healthy horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 263(4), 460-467.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.10.0651 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Saledo, TX.
- 2Tactical Veterinary Solutions, Cabin John, MD.
- 2Tactical Veterinary Solutions, Cabin John, MD.
- 3University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.
- 4Contura Vet US, Franklin, TN.
- 1Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, Saledo, TX.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Injections, Intra-Articular / veterinary
- Betamethasone / administration & dosage
- Betamethasone / analogs & derivatives
- Betamethasone / adverse effects
- Female
- Male
- Acrylic Resins / administration & dosage
- Acrylic Resins / adverse effects
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
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