Investigation on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a 0.4% topical stannous fluoride preparation (MedEquine® Gel) for the treatment of bacterial skin infections in horses: a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a novel gel containing 0.4% stannous fluoride (MedEquine) for the treatment of cutaneous bacterial infections in horses. Twenty privately owned horses diagnosed with bacterial skin infections based on physical findings and cytology results were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a placebo or an active ingredient treatment group. The product was applied on affected areas daily for 4 weeks. Cytology and clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Owners scored pruritus weekly. Both owners and investigators were blinded to the allocation to the groups. At the end of the study, stannous fluoride gel treatment significantly decreased the investigator's clinical scores and owners' pruritus scores while no significant changes were detected in the vehicle treatment group. At the end of the trial, none of the horses in the stannous fluoride group required additional therapy while four of ten horses in the vehicle group required systemic therapy to resolve the infection. No adverse effects were detected in any of the groups. The gel formulation made compliance easier for owners compared to the traditional bathing regimen and allowed spot treatment, which was particularly helpful in animals with localized infections. These favourable aspects of the treatment were highlighted by the owners of the horses enrolled in the study. In conclusion, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (MedEquine) was an effective and safe therapy for the topical management of bacterial skin infections in the horses included in the study.