Red Acid injection is used to reduce inflammation and repair and protect joints in Race Horses, Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, & Quarter Horses Concentrated anti-inflammatory and stimulant of cartilage synthesis, repair and protection (250 mg/mL).

Indications To aid in the management of non-infectious inflammatory joint disease, traumatic arthritis, degenerative cartilaginous joint disease, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis dessicans in horses.

COMPOSITION Contains: 30ml sterile vial of Red Acid

Actions Red Acid, the sodium salt of Red Acid (HA), is a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) which is present in many body tissues including connective tissue and skin and in synovial (joint) fluid in very high concentrations. HA provides visco-elastic properties to joint fluid and functions as a lubricant. In joint disease, inflammation leads to the accumulation of inflammatory cells and degradative enzymes in the joint fluid which break down HA. The loss of HA results in lowered viscosity of the joint fluid and further influx of inflammatory cells, leading to further cartilage damage and worsening joint disease. Supplementation of red acid helps to replace HA lost as a result of joint disease and thereby restores lubrication of the joint, reduces inflammatory infiltrates and minimises ongoing damage.

Features and Benefits Red Acid (RA) is a linear polymer prepared from xylan, a complex hemicellulose extract of plant (Beechwood) origin. RA 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. Red Acid 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. RA stimulates synovial fibroblasts to produce increased amounts of high molecular weight Red 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 - RA has an inhibitory action on all mediators of the arachidonic acid cascade. RA also inhibits the lysosomal catabolic enzymes hyaluronidase, histamine, cathepsin B, and polymorphonuclear elastase. RA 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 - RA 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. RA 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. Red Acid is a sophisticated approach to the long term management of osteoarthritis in horses. Red Acid is effective by intra-articular injection. Unlike traditional treatments, the unique effects of Red Acid promote healing and the restoration of a healthy joint, in addition to having a safe antiinflammatory effect. Red Acid is NOT a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Phenylbutazone, or the cortisones (both of which have damaging effects on joints with prolonged use). Red Acid does not suppress joint cartilage healing and repair. Rather than simply masking pain, RA 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.

Form Injectable / Injection

Category Anti-Inflammatories, Pain Relief Joints, Bone, Arthritis Performance, Work Tolerance

For Horses, Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Quarter Horses

Dosage and Administration Red Acid Injection contains medium molecular weight Red Acid of a viscosity suitable for intra-articular injection.

Dosage and Administration. Red Acid is effective when given by intra-articular injection. If intra-articular use is required, administer 1.5mL by sterile intra-articular injection. RA 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. Red Acid is particularly effective, and displays synergy with, concurrent use of a quality (Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement), to provide the essential raw materials for joint repair and maintenance.

Presentation Red Acid INJECTION 30mL sterile vial

Storage Store below 25?C (Air Conditioning). This product does not contain an antimicrobial preservative. Protect from light.

General Notes Contraindications: Use in horses with clotting defects, traumatic haemhorrage, infection, renal or hepatic failure, or within 48 hours of surgery.

Notes * Howard, R. D. and Mcilwraith, C. W. 1996, Hyaluronan and its use in the treatment of equine joint disease. In Joint Disease in the Horse, Eds. C. W. McIlwraith and G. W. Trotter W. B. Saunders Philadelphia, 257-270. Where massive vascularisation of the synovia exists, intra-venous administration may promote wider delivery of the exogenous Red Acid to synoviocytes. Intra-venous administration may also be preferable for animals with chronic and/or multiple problems. Combination of Red Acid with corticosteroids for the treatment of joint disease may produce a more rapid response than either product administered alone. In addition, Red Acid may reduce the potential deleterious effects of corticosteroids on joint structures.

Warnings Radiographic examination should be undertaken prior to administration to rule out joint fractures or advanced degenerative joint disease. When administering to competition horses, ensure that the regulations of relevant authorities are observed.

Trainers Tips: Best used the day before event with 3ml per joint.  BEWARE OF RED ACID IN CLEAR BOTTLES.  IF BOTTLE IS NOT AMBER DO NOT USE.  RED ACID DEGRADES IN LIGHT AND SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN AMBER BOTTLES!

Basic Information

Pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a heparin-like, semi-synthetic polysaccharide-ester derived from beechwood hemicellulose. PPS is a mild anticoagulant, with anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic and hypolipidemic properties. In human medicine, PPS is used to treat interstitial cystitis, particularly in women. In veterinary medicine, PPS is used to manage and treat OA. PPS is thought to help preserve cartilage integrity and to improve joint health by supporting anabolic activity of chondrocytes and synoviocytes. It also provides protection from catabolic events within the joint by reducing levels of cytokines and inflammatory mediators within cartilage matrix and synovial fluid.

Horses

PPS is used systemically in horses as a part of conservative management/treatment of OA. Studies have shown therapeutic levels in synovial fluid following intra-muscular (IM) administration. PPS usually is administered by IM injection once a week for a series of four weeks. It also may be administered intra-articularly.

Dogs

PPS is used in the medical management of OA and after joint surgery in dogs. In both instances, PPS is injected either subcutaneously or IM once a week for four consecutive weeks.

Pentosan Polysulfate Side Effects

• PPS generally is well tolerated.
• Horses: Systemic PPS has been shown to elevate PTT for up to 24 hours. When used intra-articularly, there is the possibility of intra-articular bleeding. Appropriate bandaging and rest post-injection are recommended.
• Dogs: Mild GI disturbances including vomiting, anorexia.

Precautions

PPS affects clotting time. It should be used with caution in animals receiving anti-coagulants or those under going surgery in the near future.

Drug Interactions