Adequan
®
Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug for use in dogs and is
recommended for intramuscular injection
for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints.
Are Adequan injections painful?
When administered by a licensed veterinarian, Adequan has very few side effects. The most commonly reported side effects were
mild pain or swelling at the injection site
, diarrhea, and delayed blood clotting that did not require treatment.
How quickly does Adequan work in dogs?
How fast does Adequan
®
Canine work? It begins to reach a dog’s joint synovial fluid
within 2 hours
and detectable levels are maintained in the synovial fluid and articular cartilage for up to 3 days (72 hours). Consult your veterinarian if you have any additional questions.
Where should Adequan be injected?
Adequan is given as an injection
either in the muscle or under the skin (subcutaneously)
. The dose is tapered down from twice weekly initially, to once monthly. These shots are typically not painful and relatively easy for owners to administer at home with some instruction.
Does Adequan make dogs tired?
Adverse reactions in clinical studies (transient pain at injection site, transient diarrhea, and abnormal bleeding) were mild and self-limiting. In post approval experience, death has been reported in some cases;
vomiting, anorexia, depression/lethargy and diarrhea have also been reported
.
Does Adequan affect the liver?
Toxicology studies have found that
when megadoses are administered, liver and kidney changes are observed
. Even in moderately over-large doses, platelet numbers are reduced and blood clotting problems may result.
How do I know if Adequan is working?
It goes to work in the joint in about two hours and stays in the joint for about three days. With Adequan Canine
you should see signs of improvement within four weeks
. Your dog may begin to act like the playful, active dog you remember.
Does Adequan interact with other medications?
Precautions.
Do not mix this medication with any other drugs or chemicals
. Do not use in animals that are hypersensitive to this medication or are suspected to have a bleeding disorder.
Does Adequan cause loss of appetite?
Pain or swelling around the injection site. Diarrhea. Bleeding.
Loss of appetite
.
What are the side effects of Adequan in dogs?
Adverse reactions in clinical studies (
transient pain at injection site, transient diarrhea, and abnormal bleeding
) were mild and self-limiting. In post approval experience, death has been reported in some cases; vomiting, anorexia, depression/lethargy and diarrhea have also been reported.
Does Adequan have to be given IM?
Adequan analogues have been tested with subcutanteous use by the FDA fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/FOIADrugSummaries/ucm116139.htm however the official site for Adequan states that
it should be given via IM injection via their insert adequancanine.us/pdf/AdequanCanineInsert.pdf
.
Should you walk dogs with arthritis?
Arthritic dogs will benefit from controlled exercise.
Gentle regular lead walks are better than an hour spent running around after a ball or with another dog
.
