[The treatment of podotrochilosis with oral anticoagulants. An instruction insert desired].

The anticoagulant, warfarin, has been reported to be effective as treatment for navicular disease in horses. Since other forms of treatment for this disease are palliative, this new anticoagulant therapy has become widely employed. Despite the fact that initiation of anticoagulant therapy is relatively simple, attending veterinary practitioners should be aware that careful monitoring of this therapy is required for both safety and efficacy. Navicular disease is an example of equine thrombotic disease, and the goal of warfarin therapy is the prevention of new thrombus formation, while at the same time preserving haemostasis. This paper presents a review of the mechanisms of action of warfarin, its beneficial effects, its potential for toxicity in horses, and the interaction of warfarin and other drugs. Laboratory monitoring of the therapy and vitamin K-1 treatment in case of overdosing are discussed.