THE GREYHOUND MAIL - BY ALLAN BROWN TOP TREATMENT FOR JOINT PAIN, STIFFNESS AND MUSCULAR SORENESS
After a recent discussion with a leading Queensland trainer, I became aware of a very useful product that should be a valuable addition to the armoury of all greyhound trainers. Many are already familiar with it, but for those who are not, here are some important points. I also discovered that leading greyhound vets use this product and recommend it to clients. The produced marketed by VIRBAC is called RAPIGEL, a muscle and joint relieving get. Listed in the Index of Veterinary Specialities as a counterirritant and rubefacient, Rapigel is a soothing, rub-on cooling gel, which can be used before and after exercise. A rubefacient is an agent that causes reddening and warming of the skin for the relief of muscular pain and is often used as a counterirritant. Counterirritants have been used for centuries in human and veterinary medicine. When applied to the skin, they are able to relieve more deep-seated pain or discomfort. Directions for use are simple. Clear area, and then gently rub into sore part. May be used twice daily if need be. Can also be used under bandages. Pack Rapigel comes in an economical 250-gram jar. Indications once again: a cooling muscle and joint relieving, skin cleansing gel with mild disinfectant qualities suitable for shin soreness, joint pain, muscular soreness, stiffness, bruising, sprains, tendon and joint injuries. Caution: avoid contact with eyes or mucus membranes, Rapigel is registered for use in horses and is an off label claim for other species. It is readily available from usual suppliers. Rapigel contains camphor, and as a precaution, trainers should allow 48 hours between last treatment and racing.