Most people have heard of Viagra. You know, that awesome pill that can help your sex life. But did you know that there was more to Viagra than just sexual enhancement? Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can now explore the various possibilities of this amazing drug. Let’s take a look at Viagra for horses.
The Real Deal
What is Viagra for horses? Well, it’s not just one drug, but a combination of four different compounds: sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil. If you’re a horse lover, you know exactly what each of these mean. But for the rest of us, let’s dive a little deeper into the science behind these compounds.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. It’s actually a pretty common name; it’s been around since the mid 1980s. As the name implies, sildenafil is a synthetic compound that closely resembles the action of the natural compound Cialis. While Cialis is usually reserved for treating erectile dysfunction in humans, sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension in horses. This is a serious condition where the arteries in the lungs become extremely narrow because of chronic stress or injury. When blood flows through these vessels, it can cause them to balloon and restrict the flow of blood to the lungs.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is a newer drug on the market compared to sildenafil. It’s been around for about ten years, and it’s already been approved for use in horses. Tadalafil is a relatively selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor. This means it has a relatively low toxicity compared to other medications of its class. It’s been shown to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in humans, so it makes sense that it would be useful for animals as well.
Vardenafil
Like tadalafil, vardenafil is another phosphodiesterase inhibitor. However, it’s not as selective as tadalafil and has a higher toxicity. It’s been around for about as long as tadalafil, and it’s been approved for use in animals as well. Like sildenafil and tadalafil, vardenafil is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction in animals, although it has also been studied for use in dogs with heart disease. Just be careful around large breeds or dogs with a history of heart disease because of the increased likelihood of side effects.
Avanafil
Avanafil is the newest drug to be added to Viagra. It’s already been tested in animals and shown to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. While it’s not yet been approved for use in horses, it’s been given the go-ahead for use in dogs. Like the other drugs mentioned so far, avanafil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which increases the blood flow through the corpora cavernosa muscle of the penis during sexual stimulation. The most recent research has even shown that avanafil is more effective than sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction in animals. Like the other drugs on this list, avanafil is a proven remedy for horses with pulmonary hypertension, so it should be considered as another treatment option for equine practitioners. But it’s still not been specifically approved for this use, so veterinarians should still follow their standard procedures when dealing with this drug.
So what does all this mean for you as a horse owner or rider? It means that if you have erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension (an extremely serious and life-threatening condition), you may be in for a great new addition to your sex life. But before you rush out and buy Viagra for horses, remember that there are still a few things you should check out first. Make sure your veterinarian has tested the drug in your species and that you are aware of any precautions you need to take. Your doctor may also have some guidelines for the optimal use of this medication. Don’t expect Viagra for horses to be able to solve your sexual problems; you’ll have to work at it like you always have. But at least you’ll know the causes of your dysfunction and have another option to try if the old methods don’t work. And what’s more, you’ll be doing your animal a favor by helping them live a longer, happier, and healthier life.