Pentosan Polysulfate For Veterinary Use
By Barbara Forney VMD

	Overview Therapeutic Class Disease modifying osteoarthritis (OA) drug Species Horses, Dogs Commonly prescribed by vets for: OA FDA Status Approved for use in horses and dogs in Australia. No FDA approved veterinary products in the United States.

Basic Information

Pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a heparin-like, semi-synthetic polysaccharide ester derived from beechwood hemicellulose. PPS is a mild anticoagulant, with anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic and hypolipidemic properties. In human medicine, PPS is used in the treatment of interstitial cystitis, particularly in women. In veterinary medicine, PPS is used for the management and treatment of OA. PPS is thought to help preserve cartilage integrity and improve joint health by supporting anabolic activity of chondrocytes and synoviocytes. It also provides protection from catabolic events within the joint by reducing levels of cytokines and inflammatory mediators within cartilage matrix and synovial fluid.

Horses

PPS is used systemically in horses as a part of conservative management/treatment of OA. Studies have shown therapeutic levels in synovial fluid following intra-muscular (IM) administration. PPS is usually administered by IM injection once a week for a series of four weeks. It may also be administered intra-articularly.

Dogs

PPS is used in the medical management of OA and after joint surgery in dogs. In both instances, PPS is injected either subcutaneously or IM once a week for four consecutive weeks.

Side Effects

• PPS is generally well tolerated.

• Horses: Systemic PPS has been shown to elevate PTT for up to 24 hours. When used intra-articularly, there is the possibility of intra- articular bleeding. Appropriate bandaging and rest post injection are recommended.

• Dogs: Mild GI disturbances including vomiting, anorexia.

Precautions

• PPS affects clotting time. It should be used with caution in animals receiving anti-coagulants or those under going surgery in the near future.

Drug Interactions

• Although no specific drug interactions were found, PPS should be used with care in animals receiving other drugs that affect clotting function.

Overdose

• No specific information regarding overdose was found. PPS has weak anti-coagulant properties. Bleeding, thrombocytopenia, GI disturbance and liver function may be affected by overdose.

About the Author

Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.

She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.

Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.

You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com

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The information contained on this site is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.

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