Surpass®

SURPASS® (diclofenac sodium) is a topical medication that has gained popularity in recent years due to its ease of administration (simply rub it on the affected joint) and its effectiveness for certain types of arthritis in horses.

In our experience, Surpass generally works better under the following circumstances:

• In higher-motion joints.  For example, we would expect a better response when treating a fetlock joint (which is very high-motion in nature) than we would when treating the lower hock joints (which are very low-motion in nature).

• In joints that are closer to the skin surface.  If there is less tissue through which the product is required to diffuse then more will be delivered to the affected area. Consequently, we would anticipate a better clinical response if more product is reaching the joint. For example, we would expect a better response when treating a fetlock joint (which is just under the skin surface) than we would a stifle joint (which is much further/ deeper from the skin surface).

• In joints with a high topical surface area:size ratio.  We typically observe a higher concentration of therapeutic medication in synovial (joint) tissue (and therefore a better clinical response) when the joint is smaller and very well exposed under the skin surface. For example, we would expect a better response when treating a fetlock joint (small and just under the skin surface) than we would a stifle joint (large and deep under the skin surface).

• When used prophylactically (as a preventative) rather than subsequent to the onset of joint inflammation.  In other words, we would expect a better response if we applied the product prior to exercising the horse than we would if we applied the product after we finished riding.

For more information on Surpass®, please click HERE.

Learn more about Pentosan and other JOINT THERAPIES in our CLIENT EDUCATION LIBRARY.