Preliminary Clinical Impressions on the Use of Stanozolol as a Novel Intraarticular Therapy for Athletic Horses: 60 Cases

Management of joint-related lameness in the athletic horse can sometimes prove challenging; current therapies are not always effective, suitable or proven. This report documents our clinical experience with the anabolic steroid stanozolol in its use as a novel therapy for joint disease in a UK equine practice.

A retrospective analysis of veterinary records from all horses treated with intra-articular stanozolol (Sungate®) over a 24-month period (2009-2011) was undertaken. Details of history, diagnostic work, prior treatments, management and outcome were reviewed and treating clinicians surveyed for perceived efficacy of treatment.
60 horses (83.3% racehorses) were treated during the study period. Median age was 4 years. The majority were classified as poor responders to previous intraarticular therapies. Clinical appraisal, history, diagnostic anaesthesia and imaging (radiography, ultrasonography, scintigraphy and MRI) guided treatment. Mean & median number of treatments per horse was 3, with a total of 271 intra-articular injections performed (carpus & fetlock most common). 46/60 (76.7%) cases had reduction in exercise during treatment. No adverse reactions requiring veterinary attention were recorded. Of 46 cases with 6-month follow-up, unblinded survey recorded 18 (39.1%) in which the treating clinician felt strongly that clinical improvement could be attributed to the treatment over and above other therapies (18 cases uncertain effect, 10 cases not beneficial). There was a statistically significant association between perceived positive efficacy and number of treatments, when a course of >3 injections (consistent with manufacturer’s recommendations) was undertaken (P = 0.01, Fisher’s Exact Test).

This study documents the use of an existing controlled pharmaceutical in a novel intra-articular product, to which no adverse reactions were recorded and which demonstrated possible therapeutic benefits in the study population. These observations relate to a variety of pathologies and were unblinded; further prospective studies of possible efficacy and action are warranted.