What is in a joint injection and what does it do?

PESM uses high quality hyaluronic acid as well as a corticosteroid for routine joint injections as well as for navicular bursa injections. Hyaluronic acid is the main component of joint fluid and when the joint becomes inflamed can undergo degradation leading to further joint inflammation. By injecting the joint with a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid joint lubrication can be be restored. A corticosteriod is often used as well and it acts by reducing inflammation within the joint as well as the pain associated with the inflammation. 

Why would my horse benefit from joint injections?

Horses with any joint remodeling, OCD, irregularities to joint surface or arthritis tend to develop inflammation and pain in the affected joints. Because they may have impingement due to arthritis/remodeling and/or irregular joint surfaces due to OCD lesions, the joint can become inflamed and painful. Joint fluid can become watery with inflammation losing its ability to lubricate the joint causing further inflammation.  Even horses with little to no radiographic evidence of joint pathology can suffer from joint inflammation and pain and may benefit form a joint injection.
As always, a thorough exam should be performed in order to decide if your horse might benefit from such treatments.  

What is IRAP and is it for my horse?

IRAP (interluekene 1 receptor antagonist protein) is used to combat inflammation in joints by stoping the inflammatory cascade on a molecular level. In general traditional joint injection therapy is used first but in horses that aren't responding as well anymore or aren't able to make it as long between traditional joint injection treatments IRAP can be incorporated into the therapy. It is also commonly used in horses with metabolic issues such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome where they are unable to handle steroids.