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Arthrodynamic Technologies

 

 

COMPOSITION PER ml
Active ingredient: Micronized stanozolol 5 mg

PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Solution for intraarticular injection

INDICATION
Regenerative therapy in aseptic joint diseases of the horse, characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and synovial membrane with altered articular function; Also associated with the production of synovial fluid with poor or altered viscoelastic characteristics.

NOTES
Positive clinical effects may present in time-frames that vary according to the stage of evolution and the gravity of the disease. In chronic joint disease, clinical improvement may take place as much as one month after the end of treatment and subsequently consolidate through a slow but constant progression. This latent period can be explained by the time needed for the medicinal product’s regenerative action to take effect. Rehabilitation exercises shorten the time needed for tissue regeneration and the reduction of symptoms.

DOSAGE
Dosage varies according to the size of the joint to be treated.

Do not exceed recommended doses:

  • 1ml of suspension equal to 5 mg of stanozolol in medium-sized joints (e.g. tarsal joint, fetlock) once weekly. Weekly administration can be repeated up to six times, according to the severity and evolutionary stage of the joint disease.

  • In smaller joints (the joints of ponies or foals or interphalangeal joints), reduce the dose proportionately to 1.0 – 2.5 mg.

 

 

 

Review Other Intraarticular Therapies HERE.

 

Sungate®

SUNGATE® is the brand name of an Italian-made preparation of stanozolol (an anabolic steroid). It was developed to provide antiinflammatory and regenerative therapy to equine joints affected by degenerative joint disease (DJD).

Unlike other versions of stanozolol, Sungate® is formulated for intraarticular use (i.e. it is injected into the joint). Although most of the active constituents of the drug stay within the synovium (joint environment) following infusion, a portion is absorbed into the horse's system where it is exposed to detection.

Since the medication contains anabolic steroid, its use in currently-competing performance horses is forbidden. In fact, Sungate® was the drug at the center of a recent British Racing Scandal.

 

Background

Prior to its release, SUNGATE® was assessed with regard to its tolerability, pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy through in-depth preclinical and clinical instrumental studies. These studies showed that Sungate® exhibited antiinflammatory, anabolic, androgenic and fibrinolytic effects within the joint. Reduction in biochemical, hormonal and histological alterations that promote osteoarthritis (DJD) were also observed during the studies.

Most derivatives of testosterone produce both anabolic (tissue-building) and androgenic (sex-altering) effects on the body. Attempts to decouple the androgenic and anabolic effects of testosterone have been made in more than one hundred derivative preparations (Shahidi, 2001). Of these, stanozolol stands out for its more favorable relationship between the two effects, with marked anabolic action that dominates its androgenic action (Helfamn et al., 1995).


Classical Pharmacological Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS)

Pharmacological effects of AASs are primarily based on the stimulation of protein synthesis, which translates into trophic activity in the tissues (particularly skeletal muscle). In addition, AASs counteract protein catabolism induced by glucocorticoids.

AASs also stimulate osteoblast proliferation, the production of bone matrix and growth factor synthesis. AASs provide antagonism to parathyroid hormone and Interleukin IL-1, thereby preventing the degenerative effect on the mineral component (Shahidi, 2001).

Anabolic steroid use may be indicated to treat muscular disorders (hypotonia, hypertrophy), fracture consolidation difficulties, bone marrow demineralization (osteoporosis), protein-dispersing pathologies (nephropathies), anemias, growth disorders and inflammatory/ degenerative diseases of the skin.

 

How do AASs Benefit the Joint?

Stanozolol increases the production of collagen and other fundamental protein substances of the cartilage matrix, thereby improving the condition of cartilaginous tissue. Increased multiplication of synoviocytes and chondrocytes in addition to regeneration/repair of articular cartilage and synovial membrane demonstrate the drug's combined antiinflammatory and anabolic actions.

Administration of Sungate® in arthritic joints has also been shown to increase synovial fluid viscosity. This increase can be attributed to enhanced synoviocyte metabolism which results in increased synthesis, production and concentration of high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate.

 

Is Sungate® Effective?

A considerable percentage of research subjects with inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases treated with SUNGATE® improved to a statistically-significant degree (83%). The degree of improvement was compatible with the return to competitive activities and/or racing in many instances.

Since the active ingredient of Sungate® performs its function through a gradual and multi-phase regenerative-repair process, improvement often takes some time to manifest clinically. Most of the antiinflammatory benefits are realized after a second injection of the drug, whereas those due to anabolic stimulation and cell multiplication (regenerative effects) take place over a longer period (usually several months).

The effects are considered by many to be longer-lasting than those of NSAIDS and/ or corticosteroid agents.

 

What makes Sungate® Different from other Intraarticular Therapies?

Intrarticular stanozolol:

  • Regulates the metabolism of the articular tissues

  • Imposes pharmacological actions (fibrinolytic effects)

  • Stimulates the production of synovial fluid and improves its viscoelastic performance

  • Increases multiplication of synoviocytes and chondrocytes

  • Stimulates collagen synthesis

  • Rebalances the intrarticular androgen-oestrogen ratio

 

Comparison Chart

When would Sungate® be Appropriate for my Horse?

We might consider recommending Sungate® in cases of high-motion osteoarthritis that have proven to be refractory to other (more standard) forms of treatment. In most cases, Sungate® injection would be performed in conjunction with other strategies (such as corrective shoeing, systemic arthotherapy and/or tiludronate administration). Due to the composition of Sungate® (which contains anabolic steroids), use of this drug in currently-competing animals is contraindicated.

 

Back to Joint Medications

 

 

See Joint Treatments

If you would like to consider using this product for your horse please CONTACT US or call our office at (678) 867-2577. We look forward to serving you!
THE ATLANTA EQUINE CLINIC: 1665 Ward Road, Hoschton, Georgia 30548 - ph. 678-867-2577

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