ArthramidVet
Osteoarthritis is a common, debilitating condition in animals that can be caused by injury or general wear and tear. Polyacrylamide hydrogels have had marked success in the veterinary field for treating arthritic joints. The idea behind these medical devices is that they provide cushion to the joint and improve overall joint health. ArthramidVet is a non-toxic, non-resorbable 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel that targets the synovium (joint lining). It is unique in integrating into the joint's lining to improve its elasticity and strength. Studies have shown an 82.5% resolution of joint lameness lasting two years post-injection.
What is ArthramidVet?
When injected into a joint, this polyacrylamide hydrogel adheres to the surface of the synovial lining of the joint. Over a period of two weeks, cells and new vessels migrate into the gel matrix, integrating it into the joint lining and the surrounding tissue of the inner joint capsule. The result is a thick, cushion-like membrane which is then covered by a new synovial lining with a higher cell count. This new synovial lining can then help improve the health of the lubricating fluid within the joint. By actually integrating into the tissue, ArthramidVet provides a long-lasting effect on the joint’s health.
Applications of ArthramidVet in Joint Therapy
AthramidVet is primarily used to manage non-infectious joint disease in dogs and horses. It can be used in mild, moderate, and severe cases of arthritis and can be used in animals of all ages.
Benefits of ArthramidVet Therapy:
Minimally Invasive: Arthramid injection is a minimally invasive method of treating pathology within a joint.
Reduced Pain and Improved Joint Function: Most patients see a marked improvement in lameness within a few weeks of Arthramid injection.
Long-Lasting Effects: ArthramidVet is non-biodegradable and also incorporates into the joint lining, providing long-lasting reduction of the pain and inflammation of synovitis and an improvement in joint function.
Minimal Time Off: Animals need 48 hours of rest after treatment and then can gradually return to work (as allowed depending on the severity of joint pathology). There is no competition withhold time after ArthramidVet injection.
Wide Range of Eligible Patients: ArthramidVet can be used in joints with mild, moderate, or severe osteoarthritis. There are no contraindications in patients with Cushing’s disease or metabolic disorders as there are with steroid injection.
Ability to Treat Multiple Joints: Concurrent treatment of multiple joints can be performed in the same patient on the same day.
Low Risk of Complications: ArthramidVet does not elicit a foreign body reaction and has a low risk of infection. Allergic reactions to Arthramid have not been reported.
Ease of Administration: ArthramidVet is prepackaged in a sterile syringe, so injection into the joint is simple and quick.
Contraindications and Considerations:
Contraindicated in Infection: ArthramidVet cannot be used in patients with active infection systemically in the body, in the joint, or the skin surrounding the joint.
Contraindicated in Some Chronic Diseases: ArthramidVet should not be used in patients with chronic disease requiring systemic corticosteroid administration.
Some Patients May Need Second Injection: Approximately 10-15% of patients may have a partial response to treatment and require a second top-up injection to see full potential response.
ArthramidVet provides a long-lasting intra-articular treatment for osteoarthritis in a wide range of animals. It is not the right choice for every case. We are happy to schedule a consultation to evaluate your animal’s individual needs and discuss treatment options that can help.