Equioxx, (firocoxib) is a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 inhibitors are
newly developed drugs for inflammation that selectively block the COX-2
enzyme. Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the chemical
messengers (prostaglandins) that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis
inflammation. Cox-2 inhibitors are a new class of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Because they selectively block
the COX-2 enzyme and not the COX-1 enzyme, these drugs are uniquely
different from traditional NSAIDs.
So now, USEF is saying it's okay in their venue to compete horses
with swollen AND painful arthritic joints. This is my field of
expertise. Exercising (loading and unloading) arthritic, inflamed, and
swollen joints actually perpetuates the entire cascade of the joint
degeneration syndrome. It pushes the horse faster and harder down the
road of disability and retirement. Please don't be fooled, folks. It is
well documented that many of these drugs actually impair healing,
especially the NSASIDS. Some drugs can impair the body's sequential
chemical defense pathways, temporarily and artificially. Sometimes,
*for a resting and rehabilitiating horse* this is beneficial, and a
part of a rational treatment plan designed to return the horse to work.
NOT as a crutch to return the horse to work on. It is a recipe for
disaster for endurance horses, and for other horses as well.
How many of us would take an acutely inflamed knee, known to be
arthritic, drug it with a COX-2 inhibitor, and go run the Boston
Marathon? Even if you were in great shape, and a world class
competitor, Mother Nature has set up some strict rules about the price
you (or the horse) will pay when you push beyond what is called the
"limitation of tissue." She is a jealous lover and will make you, or
somebody, pay in the long run. Bruce Weary
