Authors: de Clifford, L., Vallance, S. A., Wood, E., Gieseg, M., Lowe, J.N.
Contact author: Leigh de Clifford | Leigh@matavet.co.nz
This retrospective study evaluated the safety and clinical utility of intra-articular 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG; Arthramid®) in 701 Thoroughbred racehorses across 15,050 race starts and 2,312 injections at a single Australian veterinary practice between 2017 and 2023.
Safety outcomes were notably favourable, with only three adverse events recorded (0.13% of injections) and a catastrophic musculoskeletal injury rate of 0.199 per 1,000 starts — well below the Australian industry benchmark of 0.52 per 1,000. The most commonly treated joints were the middle carpal, front fetlock, hind fetlock, and tarsometatarsal, with a 2mL dose administered most frequently. Mean treatment interval was 234 days, suggesting a durable therapeutic effect.
Performance analysis of horses receiving multiple treatments demonstrated significant improvement in Timeform ratings following initial treatment, with gains maintained across subsequent treatments regardless of joint type or number of injections. Career longevity data further supported long-term safety, with 38% of horses remaining in active training at study conclusion and 60% retiring for non-joint-related reasons. Only 1.9% retired due to ongoing issues with the treated joint.
These findings support 2.5% iPAAG as a safe, effective, and welfare-conscious option for long-term joint management in elite equine athletes.
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