Treating horses with severe equine asthma is being made easier for veterinary professionals thanks to the introduction of prednisolone treatment, Equisolon, in 9 g sachets from Dechra. (Note this product is not available in the U.S. at this time.)
The oral corticosteroid powder formulation was previously only available in 180 g tubs, but Dechra Veterinary Products is adding the trusted treatment to its internal medicine range with new 9 g sachets in packs of 10 available starting in July.
Alana McGlade, BVMedSci, BVM, BVS, MRCVS, Dechra Equine Business Manager, said the new sachets would support easier and more convenient dosing and administration of Equisolon, the only oral corticosteroid powder formulation registered for horses.
“Severe equine asthma is the most common cause of chronic coughing in mature horses,” said McGlade. “Attributed to a hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens and dust, clinical signs— such as inflammation of the airways—can be alleviated by Equisolon’s active ingredient prednisolone.
“Prednisolone has been shown to have positive effects on clinical signs, endoscopic evaluation, arterial blood gases and pulmonary function when used in conjunction with environmental changes to reduce a horse’s exposure to potential triggers,” she added.
“Previously, vets would have had to measure out the powder, but the sachets make dosing more convenient,” McGlade said. “The sachets come in a box of 10, so each pack will treat one 300 kg horse for 10 days or one 600 kg horse for 5 days. As the sachets are pre-measured, horses get exactly the dose they need.”
Equisolon oral powder contains 33.3 mg/g of prednisolone and should be administered at 1 mg prednisolone per kg of body weight per day. Treatment can be repeated at 24 hour intervals during 10 consecutive days.
Severe equine asthma was previously known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heaves, and it can lead to airway neutrophil influx and excessive mucus production. Although it is generally managed by environmental measures to suppose triggering factors, management can be combined with corticosteroid therapy to control airway inflammation in more severe cases.
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk.
About Dechra
Dechra Veterinary Products Ltd is part of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC (‘Dechra’) and offers a range of pharmaceutical products and instruments to veterinary practices in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Dechra Veterinary Products specializes in the development and marketing of licensed branded pharmaceuticals in the global veterinary market.
An innovative company, it invests in the development of products and services while providing a high level of support to vets. Dechra’s expertise spans dermatology, endocrinology, equine medicine, ophthalmology, critical care and diet and nutrition. Major brands include: Vetoryl Capsules, for the treatment of canine hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s syndrome); Dermatology brands Canaural, Isaderm Gel and Malaseb Shampoo; Felimazole Tablets, for treating feline hyperthyroidism; Equipalazone, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic for equine musculoskeletal disorders and ophthalmic product Isathal.
