Horse Health Updates

Introducing a Brand New Non-Steroidal Treatment for Arthritis - Equioxx (firocoxib)

Finally, you have a new choice for equine pain relief! New EQUIOXX offers care without compromise.

EQUIOXX is proven in field trials to relieve the pain and inflammation of equine osteoarthritis, while offering an excellent safety profile. This prescription pain relief acts fast and lasts for 24 hours, all in an easy to give paste formulation.

The board of directors of the United States Equestrian Federation has approved the use of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Equioxx (firocoxib).

This new NSAID is the first cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing drug to be approved by the FDA for use in horses. The drug specifically targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body, and spares COX-1, which is associated with many beneficial functions, including production of the protective mucous lining of the stomach.

Firocoxib is restricted to use outside competition until the rule allowing its use takes effect August 1, 2007.

The new rule lists firocoxib as a NSAID with a restrictive quantitative limit and allows for a maximum permitted concentration of 0.240 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma. The recommendation for appropriate dose and time consideration will be consistent with the manufacturer's guidelines for its use at 0.1 milligram per kilogram of body weight once daily, corresponding with a 45.5 milligram dose for a 1000 lb. horse, which should be given no sooner than 12 hours prior to competing. Firocoxib can be used for a period of 14 consecutive days.

Per manufacturer recommendation, firocoxib should not be used in a horse in the 30 days prior to competing in an Fédération Equestre Internationale event until that group conducts a review of the drug.

Click here for the official website for Equioxx

ZYLEXIS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is Zylexis:

A. Zylexis is an inactivated (killed) Parapox Ovis Virus Immunomodulator administered intramuscularly (IM).

Q. What are the indications for Zylexis:

A. Zylexis is indicated to aid in the reduction of upper respiratory disease associated with EHV 1 & 4 viral infections. This product is indicated for use in horses only.

Q. When do I use it?

A. Zylexis may be administered to horses prior to being subjected to possible stress and during disease episodes. EHV can be easily triggered by common stressors to horses including trailering, competition, breeding and environmental changes.

Q. Is Zylexis safe:

A. Zylexis has undergone testing in a field safety trial in the US in 333 horses of various breeds ranging in age from 4 months to 20 years. No adverse events were reported.

Q. How often should I use Zylexis?

A. Zylexis may be administered during subsequent disease episodes or before potentially stress-inducing events such as trailering, competition, breeding, racing or environmental changes.

Q. Can I use Zylexis in foals?

A. Yes. Zylexis is indicated for healthy horses over 4 months of age.

Breaking Health News

EHV-1 has been confirmed in the Wellington, Florida area.

Veterinarians and Horse Owners:
Click here for more information and EHV-1 resources.

Sports Medicine

A Movable Framework
by: Les Sellnow
March 2003 Article # 4194

Normally, Haussler says, there are few side effects after chiropractic treatment, but a horse might occasionally become stiff and even sore after being treated, especially if there is a lot of inflammation (heat, pain, swelling) or bony pathology (acute or active arthritis) that is also present. For that reason, he says, it is recommended that the horse not be ridden for at least one day. Stall rest and turn out are recommended.

While chiropractic can be valuable in diagnosing back and lameness problems as well as being the treatment of choice in many instances, Haussler is quick to point out that it is not a "cure-all." There are some conditions, such as fractures and degenerative joint disease, among others, he said, where chiropractic is not indicated.

Chiropractic can aid diagnosis and treatment of many problems when practiced by an educated, certified professional.

Herpesvirus Vaccination Recommendations

The following vaccination recommendations for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) were made by Julia Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, associate professor of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. There is some debate among researchers and veterinarians on which vaccine (modified live or killed) is best. Wilson reminds horse owners that no vaccine completely prevents disease, and vaccinated animals can still transmit the disease to others, so other disease prevention strategies (such as quarantine and good hygiene) should always be employed.

EHV vaccines currently on the U.S. market are: Calvenza EHV and CalvenzaEIV/EHV (killed virus, aka inactivated, from Boehringer Ingelheim); Pneumabort K (inactivated from Fort Dodge); Prodigy with Havlogen, Prestige, Prestige II, and Prestige V with Havlogen (all inactivated from Intervet); Fluvac Innovator EHV-4/1 and Fluvac Innovator Triple-E FT+EHV (inactivated from Ft. Dodge); and Rhinomune (modified live virus from Pfizer). No vaccines are labeled against the neurologic form of EHV-1.

Zylexis (Parapox Ovis virus vector) from Pfizer is an immunomodulator licensed to diminish clinical illness, particularly respiratory signs, from EHV-1 and -4 infections when administered prior to exposure and during disease incubation.

Following are some of the points to the debate:

1. In the case of EHV-1, data from Cornell University suggests that horses vaccinated with Rhinomune will have significantly lower nasal shedding of EHV-1 virus after being infected with EHV-1 than horses vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine. This mighty be important in limiting the spread of the virus.

2. Modified live vaccines generate two types of immunity--humoral (just antibody) and cell mediated (lymphocytes). (The recombinant vaccines using vectors also stimulate both types of immunity.) Killed vaccines generate antibody only, which might not offer enough protection when the horse is faced with a strong challenge.

3. Modified live vaccines tend to create a stronger reaction by the vaccinated animal, so some individuals might have a greater risk of vaccine reactions (not disease) when a modified live vaccine is used. This risk has made some veterinarians and horse owners leery of modified live vaccines when a high risk of that particular disease is not anticipated. Timing is also important to avoid having signs of mild illness right before shipping or a major event.

4. Duration of measurable immunity in challenge studies tends to be longer with vaccines that create cell mediated immunity (modified live and vector).

5. Vaccination of animals in the face of exposure is very controversial and should be made on a case-by-case basis.
For exposed horses that might be incubating the disease, it is probably too late to vaccinate or booster. The vaccine doesn't have enough time to give protection before the virus replicates. Minimizing stress and possibly using immunomodulators might make more sense. Zylexis (from Pfizer) has a label claim for EHV-1 and -4 respiratory disease, but it is intended for pre-exposure use.

If the farm is such that there is clear division between exposed and unexposed populations, then more veterinarians will consider vaccinating the unexposed animals on the same farm. Guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners for outbreak control suggest perimeters of biosecurity precautions, vigilance over the already exposed, and vaccination of those that are not exposed, but at risk. That being said, all of the vaccines take a while to ramp up the immune system. One should not expect a single dose of vaccine to be as efficacious as two doses of vaccine given at the appropriate interval.

6. Sick horses should not be vaccinated, in my opinion.

Vaccination data from the Findlay, Ohio, outbreak showed a trend that suggests horses given frequent vaccination with the killed vaccine could have increased risk of becoming a neurologic case, but it was not statistically significant.

Equine Herpes Virus-1 - F.A.Q.

February 17, 2006

J. Liv Sandberg
UW Madison
Equine Extension Specialist

Dr. Larry Bauman
UW-River Falls
Extension Veterinarian

What is Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1)?
Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) is a contagious viral disease of horses that can cause respiratory disease, abortion and occasionally neurologic disease.

Is there another name for Equine Herpes Virus?
Rhinopneumonitis or ‘rhino.' It is a herpes virus that is common among horses.

How is the EHV-1 disease spread?
Aerosol (airborne) and fomites (feed, clothing, boots, hands, etc.)

Can EHV-1 spread to humans?
No, but people can transport the virus on their clothes, boots, etc.

Can EHV-1 spread to other species of animals?
No.

What are the clinical signs or symptoms seen with EHV-1?
Respiratory disease, abortion and occasionally neurologic disease (lack of coordination, inability to stand, etc.)

Are these clinical signs similar to any other equine diseases we have in our horse population?
Yes. Equine Influenza Virus may cause respiratory disease. Equine Viral Arteritis may cause abortions, and West Nile Virus may cause neurologic disease.

If my horse has some of the above clinical signs, will I be able to tell which disease he/she may have contracted?
No.

Is there a vaccine available to help prevent the spread of EHV-1?
Yes, but it doesn't directly protect against the neurological form of the disease cause by EHV-1.

My horse is up to date on its vaccinations, including EHV-1. Can my horse still be at risk of contracting the disease?
It's possible, but horses that have not been vaccinated are at a much higher risk.

Will EHV-1 affect all of my horses or are some of my horses at more of a risk of contracting the disease?
Young, old, weak, high exposure, immune challenged, and stressed horses are more likely to get sick.

How long will it take for my horse to show clinical signs of the disease after he/she has been exposed to the disease?
Horses can shed the EHV-1 from the onset of clinical signs until 1-2 weeks after the clinical signs are gone. A 21 day quarantine period following the disease is recommended.

How do you test for EHV-1?
A blood test is available. Test results will usually take 3-7 days to be completed.

I only have one horse. Do I have to be concerned about my horse contracting EHV-1?
Yes. While the virus is spread more readily from horse to horse via infected droplets in the air, on facility surfaces, fences, buckets and a common water source, etc., there is also the possibility of spreading the disease as a result of droplets being carried on clothes, boots, jackets, etc.

As a horse owner, what should I do to prevent the potential spread of the EHV-1?
Horse owners do not need to panic, but they should following appropriate bio-security measures such as those listed at the end of this article.

What about vaccinations?
There are vaccines available to protect horses against EHV-1. Since EHV-1 is a common virus in horses, it is recommended that all horses be vaccinated at least once a year. For horses congregating at shows and competitions, more frequent vaccinations may be recommended. Consult your local veterinarian to discuss the risk potential and vaccination recommendations for your horse.

What disinfectant(s) are best to use for cleaning my facilities?
Generic disinfectants such as bleach, chlorhexidine, quaternary ammonias and others are effective in killing the EHV-1 virus.

I have only a couple horses. Do I have top follow the preventative measures?
Yes.

I have an active and full barn of horses that frequently travel through out the state and out of state. What preventative measures should I be practicing to minimize the risk of spreading EHV-1?
See the recommendations for isolation and bio-security measures listed at the end of this article. Prior to traveling with your horses, check on the current health status of horses at your final destination.

My farrier is scheduled to come and work on my horses' feet? Should I still have him/her come or cancel the visit?
Have them come unless there is a high level of disease in surrounding barns. Practice the appropriate bio-security measures, regardless of area farm status. If the work is not needed immediately and there is a high level of disease in the area, rescheduling to a later date may be the wisest decision.

If I have new horses coming to barn, what should I do before they arrive and after they arrive?
Your horses should be up to date with their EHV-1 vaccinations. Quarantine/separate the new arrivals for 3 weeks.

We like to trailer to another barn and ride. Can we still do this?
While your barn may not be under quarantine, the potential to spread the disease is minimized if horses are not exposed to additional sources of contamination. It is important to still enjoy spending time with your horse. However, by taking the initiative to keep unnecessary travel to a minimum, the potential for spreading EHV-1 will be reduced.

How long should we not travel from barn to barn during an EHV-1 outbreak?
No definitive answer can be given as the length of time is dependent on the success of minimizing the EHV-1 outbreak.

BIO-SECURITY MEASURES FOR HORSE OWNERS

Immediately isolate any sick horses in the barn. Isolate any new horses or horses returning from another location or show for at least 7 days. If horses were exposed to sick horses while away, take further precautions and isolate horses for at least 21 days.
As the EHV-1 virus can be spread on clothing, all human traffic (clients taking lessons, borders, visitors, trainers, blacksmiths, veterinarians) should be vigilant about disinfecting boots before entering and leaving a different barn, wearing clothing (ex: jeans, jacket) that have not been worn in another horse barn, and washing hands before handling the horses. At the entrance of the barn, provide a tub of disinfectant and instructions for all to use. Bleach water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) may be used and should be changed daily. Phenolic based disinfectants will be less effective if a lot of feces and other organic material collects in the tub, so clean out and replace the disinfectant solution regularly.
Do not rotate horses from stall to stall. Don't share feed tubs or water buckets among the horses. Inserting a water hose previously submerged in a bucket of a sick horse can potentially spread a virus.
Disinfect any areas of the barn that may have been exposed to a sick horse or a horse that is of question, including disposal of all bedding and hay/feed. The above disinfectants can be used. If the stall is needed, allow disinfectant to dry before placing a horse in the same location.
Always work with the sick horses(s) last in your chore routine and exit the barn without completing any other tasks.
When possible, separate horses into small groups to minimize the number of horses that may be exposed if you do have an infected horse.