b'SPORTS MEDICINEEQUIDONEGel(domperidone)For oral use in horses only.BRIEF SUMMARY (For full prescribing Contributing Factors to Thoracolumbar Back Pain information, see package insert.)Trauma CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restrictsPoor saddle fit this drug to use by or on the order of aImproper rider posture (e.g., twisting or wrenching of the spine) licensed veterinarian. The horses sex (ossifying spondylosisa type of arthritisis more common in mares,DESCRIPTION: Domperidone is a D2 whereas kissing spines is more common in geldings) dopamine receptor antagonist. The chemical formula is 6-chloro-3-[1-[3-(2- Conformation (short, inflexible backs are more prone to vertebral lesions, whereas longer,oxo-3H-benzimidazol-1-yl) propyl]piperi-more flexible backs tend to suffer muscular and musculoligamentous strains) din-4-yl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-one. Use (jumpers tend to suffer bone damage to the thoracolumbar spine)INDICATION: For prevention of fescueBreed (veterinarians frequently diagnose Thoroughbreds with osteoarthritis of the articulartoxicosis in periparturient mares.facets and with associated soft tissue injuries, particularly just below the withers and in Contraindication: Horses with hypersen-the loin region) sitivity to domperidone should not receive EQUIDONE Gel.WARNINGS: Failure of passive transfer of pathological rotation, she says. Typi- example, horses with soft-tissue back in- immunoglobulins (IgG) may occur when using EQUIDONE Gel even in the absence cally, by the time I see a horse, they arejuries such as supraspinous desmitis haveof leakage of colostrum or milk. All foals fairly asymmetrical and quite uncomfort- a better outcome (about a 75% recoveryborn to mares treated with EQUIDONE Gel should be tested for serum IgG concen-able. I usually say it will be a year beforerate with recurrence in fewer than one- trations. Do not use in horses intended for the horse can walk out of the stall in athird of properly managed cases) thanhuman consumption.different biomechanical stance withoutthose with bony issues, such as fracturedHUMAN WARNINGS: Not for use in us reminding them how to change theirvertebrae, Hendrickson says. humans. For oral use in animals only. posture. There is hope that we are helpingKeep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Pregnant and lactating Although that might seem like a longthese horses become more comfortablewomen should use caution when handling time for recovery, Schils emphasizes thatand return to work successfully throughEQUIDONE Gel, as systemic exposure to domperidone may affect reproductive your horse can continue to perform dur- research in this area, says Schils. Ahormones. Consult a physician in case of ing this period.retrospective study of 241 horses withaccidental human exposure.If the muscle training of the horse(muscle spasms due to) back pain foundPRECAUTIONS: EQUIDONE Gel may previous to the back pain is to jump 1.60that 80% of the horses had a gradedlead to premature birth, low birth weight meters, then the horse may have to dropimprovement in muscle spasms after twofoals or foal morbidity if administered 15 days prior to the expected foaling date. down in height during competition asfunctional electrical stimulation treat- Accurate breeding date(s) and an expected new muscle memory is developed, shements. In addition, 60% of these horsesfoaling date are needed for the safe use of EQUIDONE Gel.explains. I would estimate it typicallyshowed a sustained improvement forDo not use in horses with suspected or takes between three and six monthsa minimum of two months. Throughconfirmed gastrointestinal blockage, as domperidone is a prokinetic drug (it stimu-before a horse is back competing at theiradvances in management and technologylates gut motility).former level. However, the rider mustwe are making important changes in the be vigilant during these early returnswell-being of the horses we care for. ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions associated to performance to make sure that thewith treatment with EQUIDONE Gel are horse is maintaining the biomechanicalTake-Home Message premature lactation (dripping of milk prior improvements necessary for long-termA complete physical exam, diagnosticto foaling) and failure of passive transfer.improvement.analgesia, and imaging involving radiol-ogy and ultrasonography and/or nuclear Getting Back in the Game scintigraphy play important roles in Little published research exists regard- determining the source of a horses back ing the optimal number of days off frompain. For the best outcome, combine competition, the time to recovery, andtherapies that help control inflammationDistributed by:chances of relapse for the various causesand pain with rehabilitation modalitiesDechra Veterinary Products7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525of back pain, says Hendrickson. Overall,recommended by a qualified veterinar- Overland Park, KS 66211, 866-933-2472though, advanced diagnostic tools andian or equine therapist. Finally, avoid the 2016 Dechra Ltd.EQUIDONE is a registered trademark a growing number of treatment optionsurge to simply rest your horse in the faceof Dechra Ltd. All rights reserved.seem to be improving a horses chance ofof thoracolumbar discomfort, as this willNADA 141-314,Approved by FDArecovery. slow the recovery process. In one study, 57% of 190 horses withIn addition to the fact that movement a general diagnosis of back pain recov- helps fix the problem of muscle imbal-ered, he says.ance and poor muscle memory, horses As the diagnosis becomes more point- will be happier if they are allowed to ed, so do the data regarding outcome. Forcontinue to do their job, says Schils.hTheHorse.com|The HorseFebruary 202049Equidone_legal_insert_vertical_TheHorse.indd 1 10/25/16 11:26 AMSportsMed_Feb.indd 49 1/3/20 11:45 AM'