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Dr.
Richard Markell
Ranch & Coast Equine Practice, Encinitas, California
Dr. Markell limits his practice to equine sports medicine, working
exclusively with hunters, jumpers and dressage horses. He has served
three times as the veterinarian for the World Cup Show jumping finals
in Las Vegas. Dr. Markell also has served as the veterinarian for the
World Cup dressage finals in Los Angeles, and has consulted for
members of the U.S., French, Argentine, Mexican, Swiss and Brazilian
Olympic equestrian teams.
How have you used SURPASS® topical cream and what has been your
experience with the way it has performed?
I've used SURPASS for joint disease and inflammation. It's a
phenomenal medication. Since it became available in the United States,
I've been using it extensively. It's become one of my regular tools
for sports injuries.
Can you please describe
specific situations where you used SURPASS and the results that you
received?
In cases of acute joint strain, I use SURPASS cream twice a day in
addition to ice therapy several times a day. We often use SURPASS
instead of a poultice for cooling down inflammation. It absorbs
through the skin and is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, so it
significantly reduces edema and inflammation. The response is
excellent.
I also use SURPASS for show horses with degenerative joint disease.
It's exciting to have a topical nonsteroidal product that puts less
active ingredient in the bloodstream. SURPASS is especially beneficial
for horses with gastric ulcer problems because they don't do well with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories administered systemically. With
SURPASS, we can deliver the medication right to the site of
inflammation, thereby decreasing the amount of systemic medication
that we need. And as an allowable medication, we can treat performance
horses with SURPASS up to 12 hours prior to competition.
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
I've prescribed several hundred tubes of SURPASS for owners and
trainers to administer. I make sure they apply it onto the skin rather
than just on the hair. A lot of them actually do a massage along with
the cream, and that seems to be beneficial as well. I think equine
veterinarians should consider using SURPASS because it can
significantly reduce their use of systemic nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatories with far fewer side effects.
Dr. Meg
Brinton
Ridgefield Equine, Ridgefield, Washington
Dr. Brinton is a veterinarian who works exclusively with horses,
including sport, pleasure and backyard horses. Dr. Brinton also works
with racehorses trained by her husband Nick Lowe, thoroughbred trainer
at nearby Portland Meadows.
How do you use SURPASS® topical cream?
At the track, I use SURPASS on young horses in training where we don't
want to inject bute (phenylbutazone), but we still want to help them
with carpitis. We also use it on older racehorses that are
experiencing some degree of arthritis from cartilage damage after
surgery to remove carpal chips. Elsewhere, I've prescribed SURPASS on
dressage and other performance horses to relieve the pain and
inflammation due to hock arthritis.
What has been your experience
with the way SURPASS performs?
SURPASS alleviates pain and lameness. One of my patients—an
older Hanoverian dressage horse—has severe hock arthritis. By
using SURPASS, we've been able to extend the time between injections
of cortisone or hyaluronic acid. And even when those injections don't
work, SURPASS provides relief. I've also been able to achieve success
with SURPASS in cases where other treatments have failed.
Another equine patient I treated recently has fetlock arthritis. We
tried several therapeutic approaches, including joint injections, but
the results weren't what I'd hoped for. The owner prefers not to use a
lot of bute, so she asked to try SURPASS. She just called to report
that SURPASS is working and the joint is looking better.
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
Knowledgeable horse owners like to limit the amount of drugs their
horses are given. Because SURPASS is applied topically, it reduces the
amount of active ingredient in the bloodstream. My clients are asking
for it, and I recommend it, particularly for people with concerns
about giving their horses anti-inflammatories. I also recommend it
when clients need to provide adjunct therapy for special challenges.
An example would be a horse with hock arthritis that will be taken on
a long trail ride. For this type of situation, I find SURPASS provides
additional relief.
Dr.
Luis Benitez
Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken, D.V.M.s P.A. and Associates
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Dr. Benitez is a veterinarian exclusively dedicated to the treatment
of racehorses.
How have you used SURPASS and
what was your experience with the way it performed?
"I have used SURPASS in both chronic and acute lameness cases, and I
also think it worked well on joint inflammation."
What were those horses'
conditions prior to SURPASS and following the SURPASS treatments?
"SURPASS works very well on joint inflammation. I tried SURPASS for
two weeks in chronic cases where x-rays confirmed there were arthritic
changes, but no fractures present. These horses had a history of at
least three months of hock or ankle pain. They had previously been
treated with cortisone injections in the hocks, but the symptoms had
returned.
Thanks to SURPASS, all the horses improved by about one grade. From
a practitioner's perspective, the best I could hope for in these
chronic cases would be a two-grade improvement. I think if treatment
with SURPASS had continued longer, I would have noted an even more
dramatic improvement. It's important to note that the lameness was
obvious in these cases and I only used SURPASS—no bute or Adequan®—so there was no infiltration of
the joints and the improvement could only be attributed to SURPASS.
In the acute cases, the horses actually responded even better than
the chronic cases, and improved on average by two to three grades in
lameness scores. These cases presented with an obvious hip-hike or
head-nod when jogged. None of these horses had any impacted swelling
or pain in their joints—most were simply lame in that leg. Their
injuries likely occurred during training, and SURPASS worked very,
very well on them. Following treatment with SURPASS, you could barely
make out the lameness. There was definitely penetration into the
joints and definitely an anti-inflammatory action."
What types of horses did you
treat with SURPASS?
"My practice is dedicated to the treatment of performance racehorses.
In the performance-horse industry, you need treatments that will get
the horse up to par as soon as possible. Treatments that take a long
time to work are fine for pleasure horses, but performance horses need
to perform and can't wait for long-term treatment. When a product like
this is used, everyone wants to see fast results. It's a little unfair
to have those demands, but that's the industry. The same thing applies
to other performance horses, including jumpers and reining horses. I
think chronic cases would benefit from longer treatment with SURPASS,
but acute cases show a significant response in just two weeks."
How will you be using SURPASS
in the future?
"I would definitely recommend SURPASS. I think it works particularly
well in cases where a horse is performing and suddenly becomes lame
and is diagnosed with joint pain. It's also the perfect choice for a
horse with a gastric ulcer or one that is sensitive to systemic
treatments like bute or Banamine®."
Dr. Steve Bokman
Fox & Bokman, P.A., Englishtown, New Jersey
Dr. Bokman's practice is almost exclusively focused on the treatment
of Standardbred racehorses, so most of his patients are seen "track
side." Dr. Bokman also volunteers time to the Standardbred Retirement
Foundation for horse care.
How have you used SURPASS and
what was your experience with the way it performed?
"I used SURPASS to treat a variety of acute and chronic joint
problems, most commonly, diseases of the fetlock and carpus. I was
pleased with its effectiveness in acute cases. In general, horses
treated with SURPASS improved one or two grades in lameness score
following 3–7 days of BID treatment."
What type of horse did you
treat with SURPASS (e.g., race, show, pleasure horse, etc.), and what
was its condition prior to using SURPASS and following the SURPASS
treatment?
"I primarily treat Standardbred racehorses, both active and retired.
So far I have used SURPASS on about 20 horses with varying degrees of
lameness. I have noted horses are more sound after three to four days
of treatment. In one case, I treated a horse with moderately severe,
acute fetlock inflammation with SURPASS. SURPASS was applied twice
daily for seven days. The joint inflammation resolved and the horse
returned to racing."
How will you be using SURPASS
in the future?
"I will continue to evaluate SURPASS. I'll try to determine what types
and degrees of joint disease SURPASS is most effective in treating."
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
"SURPASS appears to be a safe product. The only side effect I have
noted is an occasional mild dermatitis. The drug is effective in
reducing joint inflammation and lameness."
How many clients have you
recommended SURPASS to?
"I am in the process of educating my clients about SURPASS. I have
discussed the types of cases and situations in which SURPASS may be an
effective drug alone, or in conjunction with other medication (i.e.,
systemic or intra-articular therapies)."
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
"I think client compliance is a big factor with this product. All my
clients were very diligent about using SURPASS twice a day on their
horses. I believe the horses were getting the specified treatment for
the amount of time we decided to keep them on treatment. Whether or
not a horse is going to be treated is always a question, but because I
work at the racetrack and I know the people who were caring for the
horses personally, I feel confident the horses were treated as
directed.
I was very satisfied with the SURPASS treatment. Following two
weeks of treatment with SURPASS in acute cases, you can be pretty
confident that you will observe a significant response."
Dr. Andrew Roberts
Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Robert's practice is almost exclusively focused on the treatment
of musculoskeletal problems in Standardbred racehorses. He treats
hundreds of horses each week in Kentucky at the track.
How have you used SURPASS and
what was your experience with the way it performed?
"I have used SURPASS to treat a variety of lameness ailments. It has
been consistently effective in reducing inflammation. One case I
treated was a horse with chronic joint inflammation that did not
respond to injected treatments. SURPASS helped her tremendously. I
have also used SURPASS in horses that did not respond to other
treatments or that have sensitivities or reactions to other
treatments."
What type of horse did you
treat with SURPASS (e.g., race, show, pleasure horse, etc.) and what
was its condition prior to using SURPASS and following the SURPASS
treatment?
"In one case with a Standardbred trainer who was skeptical about
SURPASS, the horse was not responding well to injectable treatments.
After treating with SURPASS for three days, the trainer was able to
take the horse off the head pole for the first time. The horse was
more sound than at any time in recent history. In another case,
another trainer used SURPASS on a horse that could not jog. After the
first day's treatment, the horse was 85% improved. After three days,
the horse was 100% sound."
How will you be using SURPASS
in the future?
"I will recommend and use SURPASS as a treatment for acute lameness
ailments and for chronic osteoarthritis. SURPASS is most effective
treating chronic cases of osteoarthritis."
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
"Try it. It is a very useful drug. Several owners and trainers I know
don't like to use injections, and with SURPASS they can treat the site
of the pain like an injectable, but in a way they can feel good about.
I am very pleased with this product. It is definitely a winner."
How many clients have you
recommended SURPASS to?
"Too many to count. The skeptics are consistently amazed. The results
were better than injectables that we used, and the treatment was a lot
cheaper."
Dr. Scott McClure—Ames,
Iowa
Dr. McClure treats all kinds of horses for all kinds of ailments. As a
veterinarian in a large university equine program, he is exposed to a
variety of musculoskeletal ailments each week, and being at a research
facility, he often tests new treatments and drugs.
How have you used SURPASS and
what was your experience with the way it performed?
"I use SURPASS primarily to treat typical chronic arthritis and joint
problems. In particular, I use it to get the last bit of lameness that
cannot be eliminated following intra-articular injections. SURPASS is
very effective in reducing inflammation."
What type of horse did you
treat with SURPASS (e.g., race, show, pleasure horse, etc.) and what
was its condition prior to using SURPASS and following the SURPASS
treatment?
"I treat all types of horses each week, and perhaps 15–20 on
average each week for lameness and osteoarthritis. I have found
SURPASS to be very effective. I find SURPASS to be particularly
valuable in treating younger horses with lameness because of their
inability to tolerate systemic NSAIDS."
How will you be using SURPASS
in the future?
"SURPASS is a standard part of my treatment plan for horses with
joint-based lameness ailments. I will use it to get the last bit of
lameness out of a joint and get the horse back to its highest degree
of soundness. I will also use SURPASS almost exclusively when I treat
younger horses for lameness."
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
"There is a hesitancy to believe in topical treatments since there are
so many home-brewed concoctions. However, once you use SURPASS, you
will see that it is different—it is amazingly effective."
How many clients have you
recommended SURPASS to?
"I have used SURPASS to treat 15–20 horses of all breeds and with
lameness. I expect to use it even more, and to recommend it to owners
and to other veterinarians."
Dr. John Mitchell
Equine Associates, Boca Raton, Florida
Dr. Mitchell's practice is almost exclusively focused on the treatment
of Standardbred racehorses. He treats hundreds of horses annually,
usually at the track, but also at client farms and training
facilities.
How have you used SURPASS and
what was your experience with the way it performed?
"I first used SURPASS on acute lamenesses. No other medications or
physical therapy were used, and the trainer and I noticed significant
improvement in the appearance of the leg, palpation of the soreness,
and improvement in the lameness score with the application of
SURPASS."
What type of horse did you
treat with SURPASS (e.g., race, show, pleasure horse, etc.) and what
was its condition prior to using SURPASS and following the SURPASS
treatment?
"My practice is almost entirely focused on treating Standardbred
racehorses When I began treatment with SURPASS on acute lamenesses, I
noticed an improvement in just a few days, and continued treatment for
5–10 days until the horse returned to soundness. I have now
included treatment of chronic fetlock and tarsal arthritis with
SURPASS, and the trainers report the horses jogging more soundly and
racing better. Trainers are pleased to have SURPASS as a way to treat
these conditions in older Standardbreds, many of which have to avoid
systemic medications due to gastric ulcers."
How will you be using SURPASS
in the future?
"I will use SURPASS as a regional anti-inflammatory for acute injuries
and as another tool for maintaining chronic musculoskeletal problems,
especially in horses that are sensitive to, or cannot tolerate, oral
or injectable NSAIDs. I am looking forward to trying it on other cases
of injury and inflammation."
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
"Try SURPASS on a mild acute injury to witness its efficacy. I have
found SURPASS to be an effective standalone treatment for a variety of
inflammatory conditions."
How many clients have you
recommended SURPASS to?
"I have used SURPASS on 20 racehorses so far, and will continue to
recommend it to trainers and owners."
Dr. Keith Merritt
Merritt & Associates, Wauconda, Illinois
Dr. Merritt's practice is almost exclusively focused on the treatment
of musculoskeletal problems in all breeds of horses. He treats
hundreds of horses each week at his state-of-the-art clinic, where
four other equine veterinarians treat all types of horses and perform
specialized surgery.
How have you used SURPASS and
what was your experience with the way it performed?
"I have used SURPASS on several horses with lameness due to
degenerative joint disease. I am very satisfied with it. It is easy to
apply, and horses tolerate it well. It reduces inflammation quickly
and also reduces excess fluids in the joints. It reduces pain and
promotes faster healing. SURPASS was clearly effective in treating
osteoarthritis."
What type of horse did you
treat with SURPASS (e.g., race, show, pleasure horse, etc.) and what
was its condition prior to using SURPASS and following the SURPASS
treatment?
"I treat all types of horses, including Quarter horses, warmbloods,
Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and saddlebreds, representing all
disciplines; hunters, jumpers, reiners and cutters. I have used
SURPASS on horses of each breed and in all disciplines. I had one case
of an 18-year-old warmblood that was very sensitive to systemic NSAIDs
and that had a kidney removed seven years ago. I treated him with
SURPASS and he tolerated it very well. SURPASS had no effect on his
kidneys, and the horse is doing much better."
How will you be using SURPASS
in the future?
"I have recommended SURPASS to several horse owners, and will continue
to recommend it and treat with it, especially in acute cases."
What advice would you have
for other equine veterinarians who are thinking about trying SURPASS?
"Use it. It's quick and easy for clients to use. I have experienced no
problems with SURPASS."
How many clients have you
recommended SURPASS to?
"Several. I recommend it every day. SURPASS has quickly become an
essential treatment in combating lameness and osteoarthritis."
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