Indication

Active substance

Justification and explanation of use

Anaesthetics, analgesics and substances used in association with anaesthesia

Sedation and premedication

(and antagonism)

Acepromazine

Purpose: premedication prior to general anaesthesia, mild sedation.

Identification of alternatives: detomidine, romifidine, xylazine, diazepam, midazolam.

Discussion of the specific advantages: acepromazine has consistently been shown to reduce risk of anaesthetic death. Mode of action (on limbic system) and unique quality of sedation cannot be produced by the alpha-2 agonist sedatives (detomidine, romifidine and xylazine) or the benzodiazepines (diazepam, midazolam).

Atipamezole

Purpose: α-2 adrenoceptor antagonist used for reversal of α-2 agonists.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: only treatment for hypersensitive individual and overdose. Emergency medicine. Specifically used in cases of respiratory depression.

Diazepam

Purpose: premedication and induction of anaesthesia. Mild (benzodiazepine) tranquilisation with minimal cardiovascular and respiratory side effects. Anti-convulsant, essential for treatment of seizures.

Identification of alternatives: acepromazine, detomidine, romifidine, xylazine, midazolam, primidone, phenytoin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: in modern medicinal standards an essential component of anaesthetic induction protocols with very considerable equine experience. Used with ketamine for induction of anaesthesia, producing essential relaxation that allows smooth induction and intubation. Mode of action (acts at GABA receptor) and unique tranquilisation without cardiorespiratory depression cannot be produced by the α-2 agonist sedatives (detomidine, romifidine and xylazine) or acepromazine.

Flumazenil

Purpose: intravenous reversal agent for benzodiazepines. Reversal of benzodiazepine effect during recovery from Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) techniques.

Identification of alternatives: sarmazenil.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action from sarmazenil providing additional means of benzodiazepine reversal at the end of TIVA techniques. Sarmazenil is partial inverse agonist of benzodiazepine receptors whereas flumazenil is an antagonist competitively inhibiting the benzodiazepine binding site at the GABA receptor.

Midazolam

Purpose: premedication and induction of anaesthesia. Mild (benzodiazepine) tranquilisation with minimal cardiovascular and respiratory side effects. Anti-convulsant, for treatment of seizures, particularly adult horses with tetanus.

Identification of alternatives: acepromazine, detomidine, romifidine, xylazine, diazepam, primidone, phenytoin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: similar to diazepam but water soluble, thus suitable for intravenous injection and essential for intravenous infusion in combination with anaesthetics. Shorter acting than diazepam. More suitable than diazepam for foals.

Anti-convulsant, for treatment of seizures, particularly adult horses with tetanus – better than diazepam for use over several days due to water solubility.

Used with ketamine for induction of anaesthesia, producing essential relaxation that allows smooth induction and intubation.

Mode of action (acts at GABA receptor) and unique tranquilisation without cardiorespiratory depression cannot be produced by the α-2 agonist sedatives (detomidine, romifidine and xylazine) or acepromazine.

Naloxone

Purpose: opioid-antidote, emergency medicine.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Propofol

Purpose: intravenous anaesthetic. Induction of anaesthesia in foals.

Identification of alternatives: sevoflurane or isoflurane.

Discussion of the specific advantages: rapidly cleared injectable anaesthetic. Recent reports demonstrate vast improvement in cardiovascular stability and quality of recovery over inhalation anaesthesia.

Sarmazenil

Purpose: benzodiazepine antagonist.

Identification of alternatives: flumazenil.

Discussion of the specific advantages: clean reversal of benzodiazepine sedation required after infusion during total intravenous anaesthesia. Widest clinical experience with sarmazenil compared to other potential candidates for essential substances.

Tiletamine

Purpose: dissociative anaesthetic similar to ketamine, especially used for field anaesthesia. Used in combination with zolazepam.

Identification of alternatives: ketamine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: the use in combination with zolazepam is essential in cases when there is no access to inhalation anaesthesia such as for field anaesthesia. Combination is also essential where anaesthesia with ketamine combinations is too short. Typical applications are castrations, laryngotomies, periosteal stripping, cyst or lump excisions, repair of facial fractures, cast applications and umbilical hernia repairs.

Zolazepam

Purpose: benzodiazepine tranquilisation especially used for field anaesthesia in combination with tiletamine.

Identification of alternatives: diazepam or midazolam.

Discussion of the specific advantages: benzodiazepine tranquiliser, which is longer acting than either diazepam ormidazolam. The use with tiletamine is essential in cases when there is no access to inhalation anaesthesia such as for field anaesthesia. Combination is essential where anaesthesia with ketamine combinations is too short. Typical applications are castrations, laryngotomies, periosteal stripping, cyst or lump excisions, repair of facial fractures, cast applications and umbilical hernia repairs.

Hypotension or respiratory stimulation during anaesthesia

Dobutamine

Purpose: treatment of hypotension during anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: dopamine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: positive inotrope therapy, probably more used than dopamine but preferences vary. Horses usually develop hypotension during anaesthesia, and maintenance of normal blood pressure has been shown to reduce the incidence of serious post-operative rhabdomyolysis. Dobutamine is invaluable during volatile anaesthesia in horses.

Dopamine

Purpose: treatment of hypotension during anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: dobutamine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: dopamine is required in horses that do not respond to dobutamine. In foals dopamine is used in preference to dobutamine. Additionally required for treatment of intraoperative bradydysrhythmias that are resistant to atropine.

Ephedrine

Purpose: treatment of hypotension during anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: dopamine, dobutamine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: required where dopamine and dobutamine are ineffective. A unique sympathomimetic agent, which is structurally similar to adrenaline. It is impossible to use the action of catecholamines on specific receptors in the body to the benefit of equine patients without recourse to the use of a number of catecholamines, each active at a different receptor profile. Hence ephedrine, which causes noradrenaline release at the nerve endings, thereby increasing cardiac contractility and obtunding hypotension, is used when dobutamine and dopamine are ineffective. Ephedrine lasts minutes to hours and is effective after a single intravenous injection, whereas dobutamine and dopamine last only a few seconds or minutes and must be given by infusion.

Glycopyrrolate

Purpose: prevention of bradycardia. Anticholinergic. Anticholinergics are fundamental treatment for prevention of parasympathetic effects such as bradycardia and are routine components of eye and airway surgery.

Identification of alternatives: atropine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: glycopyrrolate has a limited central effect and is more suitable in conscious horses (before and after anaesthesia) than atropine.

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine)

Purpose: cardiovascular failure. Infusion for the treatment of cardiovascular failure in foals.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: the animal’s catecholamine receptor profile responds precisely to medicines acting at different sites. Hence a range of catecholamines acting more or less exclusively on different types of adrenergic receptors is used to produce a precise effect.Noradrenaline acts primarily on alpha-1 receptors to vasoconstrict arterioles, thereby increasing blood pressure and maintaining central circulation. In foals, noradrenaline is commonly the only catecholamine effective in treatment of hypotension.

Analgesia

Buprenorphine

Purpose: analgesia, used with sedatives for restraint.

Identification of alternatives: butorphanol, fentanyl, morphine and pethidine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: partial μ-agonist opioid analgesic. μ-receptor activity produces better analgesia than κ-agonist opioids such as butorphanol. Long-acting analgesic. Due to partial agonist characteristic, has limited addictive and respiratory depressant properties. Long and short-acting opioids have different indications, hence the need for more than one alternative substances as choice.

Fentanyl

Purpose: analgesia.

Identification of alternatives: butorphanol, buprenorphine, morphine and pethidine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: μ-agonist opioid, μ-receptor activity produces better analgesia than κ-agonist opioids such as butorphanol. Very short acting due to rapid metabolism and excretion. Fentanyl is the only opioid used in horses that is suitable for infusion and skin patch administration. Highly effective for pain management.

Morphine

Purpose: analgesia.

Identification of alternatives: butorphanol, buprenorphine, pethidine and fentanyl.

Discussion of the specific advantages: full μ-agonist opioid analgesic. μ-receptor activity produces the best analgesia. Used with sedatives for restraint, used for epidural anaesthesia. Mid duration analgesic. Morphine is the μ-opioid agonist with the best solubility characteristics for epidural administration. It provides long-acting analgesia with few systemic effects by this route. This technique is widely used in modern veterinary medicine for treating severe perioperative and chronic pain.

Pethidine

Purpose: analgesia.

Identification of alternatives: butorphanol, buprenorphine, morphine and fentanyl.

Discussion of the specific advantages: a μ-agonist opioid analgesic about 10 times less potent than morphine. Short-acting opioid that has been proven to be effective to treat spasmodic colic in horses. Only opioid with spasmolytic properties. More sedation and less potential for excitement than other opioids in horses.

Muscle relaxants and associated substances

Atracurium

Purpose: muscle relaxation during anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: guaifenesin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent. Neuromuscular blocking agents are used in particular for eye and deep abdominal surgery. Edrophonium is required for reversal. Atracurium and edrophonium have the most extensive clinical support data.

Edrophonium

Purpose: reversal of atracurium muscle relaxation.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: cholinesterase inhibitor, essential for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Edrophonium has least side effects of the cholinesterase inhibitors in horses.

Guaifenesin

Purpose: muscle relaxation during anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: atracurium.

Discussion of the specific advantages: essential alternative to α-2/ketamine regimens in horses where α-2 agents and ketamine are contraindicated such as in horses not responding to these agents or horses having shown adverse effects during a previous administration. Invaluable in combination with ketamine and α-2 agents for remarkably safe field anaesthesia for which no effective alternative intravenous techniques have been developed.

Inhalation anaesthetics

Sevoflurane

Purpose: inhalation anaesthesia for horses with limb fractures and other orthopaedic injuries and mask induction of anaesthesia in foals.

Identification of alternatives: isoflurane.

Discussion of the specific advantages: sevoflurane is a volatile anaesthetic with minor metabolism and fast excretion. While there is an MRL for isoflurane in the EU, isoflurane is not suitable for all equine anaesthetic cases due to its recovery characteristics where excitement may lead to the horse breaking a leg. Sevoflurane is essential in certain equine surgeries where a smooth recovery is vital, as it has been shown to produce a smoother, more controlled recovery in horses. It is therefore selected in preference to isoflurane for horses with limb fractures and other orthopaedic injuries. Furthermore sevoflurane is essential for mask induction of anaesthesia in foals as it is completely non-irritant as opposed to isoflurane, which is irritant and therefore causes coughing and breath holding.

Local anaesthetics

Bupivacaine

Purpose: local anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: lidocaine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: long-acting local anaesthetic. Long duration of action required for perioperative analgesia and treatment of chronic severe pain such as laminitis. Bupivacaine is a longer-acting local anaesthetic than the commonly used lidocaine. Lidocaine alone gives approximately one hour of local anaesthesia. Addition of adrenaline may prolong the effect to two hours, but runs the risk of cutting the local blood supply, and this combination therefore is unsuitable in a number of conditions. Bupivacaine provides four to six hours of local anaesthesia and is therefore much better suited to post-operative analgesia and for management of laminitis because a single injection is often sufficient; this is essential on welfare grounds than repeated hourly lidocaine injections. Shorter acting local anaesthetics are therefore not suitable for the above as they require frequent repeat injections with the attendant increased risk of adverse reactions and unacceptability for animal welfare reasons.

Oxybuprocaine

Purpose: local anaesthesia for use in eyes.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: widest clinical experience with oxybuprocaine compared to other potential candidates for essential substances.

Prilocaine

Purpose: local anaesthesia prior to intravenous catheterisation.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: in specific preparations (eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics) for topical application to skin where it is absorbed intradermally in 40 min. Used to facilitate intravenous catheterisation, especially in foals.

Anti-inflammatory substances

Corticosteroids

Triamcinolone acetonide

Purpose: intra-articular medication for degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.

Identification of alternatives: methylprednisolone.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different cellular and biosynthetic effects from the alternative corticosteroid intra-articular medication methylprednisolone; triamcinolone is chondroprotective and promotes cartilage repair. More effective than systemic treatments (NSAIDs and chondroitin sulphate), and other (non-corticosteroid) intra-articular treatments for control of joint inflammation, pain and lameness in acute and chronic joint disease, especially degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. Only effective non-surgical treatment for subchondral bone cysts.

Flumethasone

Purpose: short-term systemic corticosteroid therapy including shock, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy therapy.

Identification of alternatives: dexamethasone, prednisolone.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different clinical effects from alternatives with more rapid onset, longer duration and greater efficacy. Different mode of action from alternatives (no appreciable mineralocorticoid activity).

Anti-endotoxins

Pentoxifylline

Purpose: systemic and oral treatment for endotoxaemia. Laminitis.

Identification of alternatives: flunixin, acepromazine.

Discussion of the specific advantages:

Endotoxaemia: different mode of action (methylated xanthine derivative phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and different clinical effects to alternative (flunixin). Decreases endotoxin-mediated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukotrienes from macrophages and neutrophils, reduces systemic response to endotoxins.

Laminitis: different mode of action of improving blood flow to the digit than alternative (acepromazine); reduces blood viscosity and improves blood flow to the digit.

Polymyxin B

Purpose: systemic treatment for endotoxaemia associated with severe colic and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Identification of alternatives: flunixin, bismuth subsalicylate.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action (endotoxin binding agent) to systemic alternative (flunixin), acting earlier in the endotoxin-induced cascade. Different mechanism of binding, different route of administration and different site of action to oral alternative bismuth. Aids in prevention of initiation of inflammatory cascade induced by binding endotoxin and preventing binding to Toll-like receptors.

Cardiovascular medicines

Amiodarone

Purpose: anti-dysrhythmic. Systemic and oral treatment of atrial fibrillation, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias.

Identification of alternatives: quinidine sulphate, procainamide, propranolol.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action to alternatives (class III anti-dysrhythmic). New evidence that amiodarone is effective and safe in atrial fibrillation and better than alternative quinidine sulphate; effective for different types of arrhythmias including ventricular arrhythmias.

Allopurinol

Purpose: treatment of neonatal ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Identification of alternatives: vitamin E.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action to alternative for reperfusion injury; allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor inhibiting free radical production during reperfusion following ischaemia.

Vasopressin

Purpose: treatment of circulatory collapse in foals and adults.

Identification of alternatives: dopamine/dobutamine Epinephrine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: specific agonist acting via V1 receptors. Has a different mode of action to the other authorized substances which regulate blood pressure: epinephrine (an adrenergic receptor agonist) and dopamine/dobutamine (D1-5 receptors regulating cardiac output and blood vessel tone). Used in situations when dopamine/dobutamine and epinephrine have been unsuccessful and an alternative pharmacological approach is needed.

Digoxin

Purpose: treatment of heart failure.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: additionally digoxin is the only treatment for the side effects of quinidine treatment.

Quinidine sulfate and quinidine gluconate

Purpose: treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Identification of alternatives: procainamide, propranolol.

Discussion of the specific advantages: anti-dysrhythmic agent. Use is rare but important therapeutic choice, different mode of action necessary for different types of arrhythmias. Treatment of choice for atrial fibrillation.

Procainamide

Purpose: treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Identification of alternatives: quinidine sulfate and quinidine gluconate, propranolol.

Discussion of the specific advantages: anti-dysrhythmic agent. Use is rare but important therapeutic choice, different mode of action necessary for different types of arrhythmias.

Propranolol

Purpose: treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Identification of alternatives: quinidine sulfate and quinidine gluconate, procainamide.

Discussion of the specific advantages: anti-hypertensive, which is used because it also exerts some anti-arrhythmicactivity. Use is rare but important therapeutic choice. Due to the different pathophysiology of arrhythymias it is essential to have a variety of different acting medicines in order to be able to treat the specific condition. Use of these medicines consists usually of a single treatment to convert back to normal rhythm, which may have to be repeated on only rare occasions.

Convulsions

Phenytoin

Purpose: anti-convulsant therapy in foals. Treatment of rhabdomyolysis. Treatment of stringhalt.

Identification of alternatives: diazepam, primidone, dantrolene sodium (for rhabdomyolysis).

Discussion of the specific advantages: essential anti-convulsant in foals. Phenytoin is generally added to the treatment of seizure control if primidone/phenobarbital does not control the seizures. Phenytoin is a calcium channel-blocking agent and useful for the treatment of recurrent forms of rhabdomyolysis.

Primidone

Purpose: anti-convulsant therapy in foals.

Identification of alternatives: diazepam, phenytoin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: primidone is indicated as follow-on from diazepam therapy or as an alternative.

Gastrointestinal agents

Bethanechol

Purpose: treatment of ileus, treatment of gastroduodenal stricture in foals, treatment of recurrent small colon impactions in adults.

Identification of alternatives: metoclopramide, erythromycin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: betanechol is a muscarinic cholinergic agonist that stimulates acetylcholine receptors on gastrointestinal smooth muscles, causing them to contract. It has been shown to increase the rate of gastric and caecal emptying. Both betanechol and metoclopramide have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of post-operative ileus.

Codeine

Purpose: diarrhoea treatment.

Identification of alternatives: bismuth subsalicylate.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action to bismuth subsalicylate. Opioid motility modulator acting on mu receptors in the gut that provides effective symptomatic management of non-infectious diarrhoea, especially in foals. Frequently used in combination with loperamide. Similarity in mode of action to loperamide brings synergistic action.

Loperamide

Purpose: diarrhoea treatment in foals.

Identification of alternatives: bismuth subsalicylate.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action to bismuth subsalicylcate. Opioid motility modulator acting on mu receptors in the gut that provides more effective symptomatic management of non-infectious diarrhoea in foals than other substances. Frequently used in combination with codeine. Similarity in mode of action to codeine brings synergistic action.

Metoclopramide

Purpose: treatment of post-operative ileus.

Identification of alternatives: bethanechol, erythromycin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: Metoclopramide is a substituted benzamide with several mechanisms of action: (1) it is a dopamine receptor antagonist; (2) it augments the release of acetylcholine from intrinsic cholinergic neurons; and (3) it has adrenergic blocking activity. It is effective in restoring gastrointestinal coordination post operatively and it decreases the total volume, rate and duration of gastric reflux. Metaclopramide is a prokinetic drug, which acts more in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Both betanechol and metoclopramide have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of post-operative ileus.

Phenoxy-benzamine

Purpose: diarrhoea treatment; colitis.

Identification of alternatives: bismuth subsalicylate; flunixin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: has different mode of action (alpha-1 antagonist and antisecretion agent) compared to other authorised treatments and codeine. Provides useful symptomatic management of diarrhoea and colitis.

Propantheline bromide

Purpose: anti-peristaltic.

Identification of alternatives: atropine, lidocaine given diluted intrarectally as an enema.

Discussion of the specific advantages: propantheline bromide is a synthetic quaternary ammonium anticholinergic which inhibits gastrointestinal motility and spasm and diminishes gastric acid secretion. It also inhibits the action of acetylcholine at the postganglionic nerve endings of the parasympathetic nervous system. Its effects are similar to those of atropine although they last longer (six hours). Propantheline bromide is an important choice for decreasing peristalsis to avoid rectal tearing during rectal palpation or to explore and treat a potential rectal tear where it can be difficult to get a lidocaine enema to work effectively.

Ranitidine

Purpose: gastric ulcer prophylaxis in neonates.

Identification of alternatives: omeprazole.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action from omeprazole. Route of administration (intravenous) brings added benefit over all other anti-ulcer medications as these require oral administration. Intravenous ranitidine preparation essential in foals that have absent gastrointestinal motility, the group that are at high risk for ulcers.

Sucralfate

Purpose: gastric ulcer prophylaxis in neonates.

Identification of alternatives: omeprazole.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action from omeprazole and valuable adjunctive gastric ulcer prophylaxis. Unique mode of action (mucosal adherent) provides physical lesion stabilisation.

Rhabdomyolysis

Dantrolene sodium

Purpose: treatment of rhabdomyolysis. Treatment of malignant hyperthermia during anaesthesia.

Identification of alternatives: phenytoin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: dantrolene exhibits muscle relaxation activity by direct action on muscle as it inhibits the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and thus causes a dissociation of excitation-contraction coupling. Both phenytoin and dantrolene sodium have been found to be useful in the treatment of recurrent forms of rhabdomyolysis.

Antimicrobials

Klebsiella spp. infections

Ticarcillin

Purpose: treatment of Klebsiella spp. infections.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: specific antibiotic for Klebsiella spp. infections.

Rhodococcus equi infections

Azithromycin

Purpose: treatment of Rhodococcus equi infections.

Identification of alternatives: erythromycin.

Discussion of the specific advantages: standard treatment in combination with rifampicin, better tolerated in foals than erythromycin.

Rifampicin

Purpose: treatment of Rhodococcus equi infections.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: treatment of Rhodococcus equi in combination with erythromycin or azithromycin. Treatment of choice.

Septic arthritis

Amikacin

Purpose: treatment of septic arthritis.

Identification of alternatives: gentamicin or other aminoglykosides.

Discussion of the specific advantages: better tolerated in foals than gentamicin or other aminoglykosides.

Respiratory medicines

Ambroxol

Purpose: stimulation of surfactant in the premature foal.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Budesonide

Purpose: inhalation corticosteroid for control of allergic pulmonary disease.

Identification of alternatives: beclomethasone.

Discussion of the specific advantages: inhalation corticosteroid therapy causes less adreno-cortical suppression, with more rapid return to normal function after therapy ends, and fewer systemic side effects than systemic corticosteroid therapy because of limited systemic absorption. Inhalation allows reduced doses and local delivery of high concentrations of active substance and hence greater efficacy. Especially useful for control of mild-moderate disease and long-term maintenance therapy. Additional substances with greater potency and different durations of effect than beclomethasone are required to titrate the dose based on clinical response and provide optimum disease control. Budesonide has intermediate potency between beclomethasone and fluticasone.

Fluticasone

Purpose: inhalation corticosteroid for control of allergic pulmonary disease.

Identification of alternatives: beclomethasone.

Discussion of the specific advantages: inhalation corticosteroid therapy causes less adreno-cortical suppression with quick rebound after therapy ends and fewer systemic side effects than systemic corticosteroid therapy because of limited systemic absorption. Inhalation allows local delivery of high concentrations of active substance and hence greater efficacy. Especially useful for control ofmild-moderate disease and long-term maintenance therapy. Additional substances with greater potency and different durations of effect than beclomethasone are required to titrate the dose based on clinical response and provide optimum disease control. Fluticasone is 50 % more potent than beclomethasone and has longer half life (6 hours versus 2,8 hours), providing added benefit for more severely affected or refractory cases.

Ipratropium bromide

Purpose: bronchodilation.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: anticholinergic action. Necessary as therapeutic choice as in some cases more efficacious than β-agonists.

Oxymetazolin

Purpose: treatment of nasal oedema.

Identification of alternatives: phenylephrine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: α-adrenoceptor agonist with strong vasoconstrictive properties which is used in preference to phenylephrine due to the fact that it is longer-acting.

Antiprotozoal agents

Isometamidium

Purpose: treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.

Identification of alternatives: pyrimethamine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: disease sometimes refractory to treatment with pyrimethamine, and therefore an alternative is required.

Ponazuril

Purpose: equine protozoal myelitis (Sarcocystis neurona) treatment.

Identification of alternatives: isometamidium, pyrimethamine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode of action compared to other authorised substances, useful as alternative therapy when disease refractory to other treatments. Reduced incidence of side effects (diarrhoea) compared to pyrimethamine/sulphonamide treatments; increased clinical efficacy compared to isometamidium and pyrimethamine.

Pyrimethamine

Purpose: treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.

Identification of alternatives: isometamidium.

Discussion of the specific advantages: at least 75 % success rate when used in conjunction with sulfadiazine-sulfonamide.

Ophthalmic medicines

Ocular ulcers

Acyclovir

Purpose: treatment of ocular ulcers (antiviral medicine). Topical use.

Identification of alternatives: idoxuridine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: both acyclovir and idoxuridine have been shown to be equally effective in the treatment of ulcerative herpetic keratitis.

Idoxuridine

Purpose: treatment of ocular ulcers (antiviral medicine). Topical use.

Identification of alternatives: acyclovir.

Discussion of the specific advantages: both acyclovir and idoxuridine have been shown to be equally effective in the treatment of ulcerative herpetic keratitis.

Glaucoma

Phenylephrine

Purpose: treatment of glaucoma, epiphora, nasal oedema and splenic entrapment.

Identification of alternatives: tropicamide, (for glaucoma), otherwise none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: both phenylephrine and tropicamide have been shown to be equally effective in the treatment of glaucoma.

Tropicamide

Purpose: treatment of glaucoma. Topical use.

Identification of alternatives: phenylephrine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: both phenylephrine and tropicamide have been shown to be equally effective in the treatment of glaucoma.

Dorzolamide

Purpose: treatment of glaucoma. Topical use.

Identification of alternatives: latanoprost, timolol maleate.

Discussion of the specific advantages: its specific mode of action as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Important therapeutic choice.

Latanoprost

Purpose: treatment of glaucoma. Topical use.

Identification of alternatives: dorzolamide, timolol maleate.

Discussion of the specific advantages: its specific mode of action as a prostaglandin F2α-analogue. Important therapeutic choice.

Timolol maleate

Purpose: treatment of glaucoma. Topical use.

Identification of alternatives: dorzolamide, latanoprost.

Discussion of the specific advantages: its specific mode of action as a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent, causes vasoconstriction, which in turns leads to decrease of the aqueous humour. Important therapeutic choice.

Cyclosporin A

Purpose: immunosuppressive used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases of the eye.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Ketorolac

Purpose: treatment of eye pain and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, eye drops, topical use.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: widest clinical experience with ketorolac compared to other potential candidates for essential substances.

Ofloxacin

Purpose: treatment of eye infections resistant to commonly used ophthalmic antibiotic treatments.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: widest clinical experience with ofloxacin compared to other potential candidates for essential substances. Compared to commonly employed ophthalmic antibiotic treatments ofloxacin should only be used as a reserve antibiotic in individual cases.

Fluoresceine

Purpose: diagnostic tool for corneal ulceration, topical use.

Identification of alternatives: Rose Bengal.

Discussion of the specific advantages: Rose Bengal has some antiviral activity while fluoresceine has no significant effect on virus replication. Thus, the diagnostic use of Rose Bengal prior to viral culture may preclude a positive result. Therefore fluoresceine is the diagnostic tool of choice when a viral culture is planned.

Rose Bengal

Purpose: diagnostic tool for early corneal damage, topical use.

Identification of alternatives: fluoresceine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: Rose of Bengal is the diagnostic tool of choice to ascertain very early corneal damage.

Hyperlipaemia

Insulin

Purpose: treatment of hyperlipaemia, used in combination with glucose therapy, diagnosis of metabolic disorders.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Fungal infections

Griseofulvin

Purpose: systemic antifungal use. Treatment of ringworm.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: griseofulvin given orally has good activity against trichophyton, microsporum, and epidermophyton.

Ketoconazole

Purpose: systemic antifungal use. Treatment of fungal pneumonia and guttural pouch mycosis.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: widest clinical experience with ketoconazole compared to other potential candidates for essential substances.

Miconazole

Purpose: treatment of fungal infections of the eye.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: topical use on the affected eye, wider antifungal activity and/or lesser irritation than other antifungal agents.

Nystatin

Purpose: treatment of yeast infections for eyes and genital tract.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: specific activity against yeast infections.

Diagnostic imaging

Radiopharma-ceutical Tc99m

Purpose: scintigraphy.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: most sensitive diagnostic imaging modality for identification of early bone pathology and fractures — more sensitive than radiography. Allows quantitation and enables imaging of regions not amenable to radiography. Essential imaging technique safeguarding welfare of performance horses through early injury detection and prevention of catastrophic fractures. Short half life (6,01 hours) of Tc99m results in rapid clearance of detectable radioactivity (< 72 hours) from the horse.

Miscellaneous

Carbamazepine

Purpose: headshaking syndrome.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: carbamazepine is acting as anti-convulsant with sodium channel-blocking effects. Used mainly for treatment and diagnostic confirmation of trigeminal neuralgia (headshaking syndrome).

Cyproheptadine

Purpose: headshaking syndrome.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: horses exhibiting signs of photic headshaking respond favourably to treatment with the antihistaminic drug cyproheptadine. In addition to antihistaminic action, cyproheptadine has anticholinergic action and is a 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) antagonist. Relief from the behaviour is usually seen within 24 hours of beginning cyproheptadine therapy and often resumes within 24 hours of discontinuing therapy. Other antihistamines are not effective at eliminating headshaking.

Domperidone

Purpose: agalactia in mares.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: dopamine antagonist and up-regulates prolactin production.

Oxytocin is not a suitable alternative because it produces milk letdown as opposed to increasing milk production, which is the aim of domperidone therapy. Additionally, oxytocin is likely to cause abdominal pain if used in large doses.

Gabapentin

Purpose: neuropathic pain.

Identification of alternatives: buprenorphine, fentanyl, morphine, pethidine.

Discussion of the specific advantages: different mode and different site of action to alternative authorized substances. GABA-like substance which blocks calcium channels and inhibits formation of new synapses. Novel treatment for neuropathic pain with evidence suggesting added clinical benefit in the management of pain related to neuropathy e.g. foot pain, laminitis and abdominal pain.

Hydroxyethyl-starch

Purpose: colloidal volume substitution.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: practical and readily available alternative to blood or plasma.

Imipramine

Purpose: pharmacologically induced ejaculation in stallions with ejaculatory dysfunction.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Thyrotropin releasing hormone

Purpose: diagnostic used for the confirmation of thyroid and pituitary disorders.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Barium sulphate

Purpose: radiographic contrast agent used for oesophageal and gastrointestinal contrast examinations.

Identification of alternatives: none identified.

Discussion of the specific advantages: no alternatives available.

Iohexol

Purpose: radiographic contrast agent used for lower urinary tract studies, arthrography, myelography, sino- or fistulography and dacryocystography.

Identification of alternatives: iopamidol.

Discussion of the specific advantages: non-ionic low osmolar contrast agent. Both iohexol and iopamidol are equally acceptable.

Iopamidol

Purpose: radiographic contrast agent used for lower urinary tract studies, arthrography, myelography, sino- or fistulography and dacryocystography.

Identification of alternatives: iohexol.

Discussion of the specific advantages: non-ionic low osmolar contrast agent used for. Both iohexol and iopamidol are equally acceptable.