What is the Adequan Dog Arthritis & Injury Treatment?
Adequan is an injectable prescription medication known as a “polysulfated glycosaminoglycan,” and is very similar to the oral supplement known as glucosamine.
Adequan has been proven to be preferentially absorbed by inflamed joints when injected into the dog’s muscles. This treatment lubricates and soothes the joint, which reduces friction.
And, when you redude friction, you also reduce pain and inflammation.
The Adequan dog arthritis is a natural treatment which works as a kind of a “pumped up” version of glucosamine.
For example, instead of simply masking pain as NSAIDs do, the Adequan dog arthritis treatment actually helps to rebuild cartilage in the damaged joint.
With this product, you are actually getting therapy instead of mere pain control.
Adequan was originally marketed by Novartis, but is now marketed by American Regent Animal Health.
Below is how Novartis described Adequan.
Key Points:
- Unlike any other treatment, Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved* disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) in the veterinary market.
- It slows the disease cycle of non-infectious arthritis in dogs and supports the cartilage matrix repair process, while diminishing joint damage.
- Treats the underlying causes of canine arthritis, rather than just the symptoms.
- Is proven to slow the disease cycle, support tissue repair, diminish joint and joint fluid damage.
- Adequan® Canine is an intramuscular injection that reaches the joint within two hours. It delivers the dose more rapidly to the joints with an intramuscular injection than is possible with an oral medication.
- After entering the cartilage, Adequan® Canine lasts for 72 hours.
- Adequan® Canine contains a mixture of polysulfated GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) that helps it bind with connective tissue.
- This intramuscular injection allows delivery of high levels of GAGs to synovial joints by avoiding the digestive enzymes of the GI tract.
- Its relatively low molecular weight (3,000 to 15,000 daltons) allows PSGAG to move from the bloodstream through the synovial membrane and into the synovial fluid.
- This intramuscular injection helps keep joints lubricated, making movement easier and increases comfort by indirectly reducing inflammation.
- Adequan® Canine is a prescription-only product for dispensing and administering only by licensed veterinarians.
How the Adequan Dog Arthritis Treatment Works
The Adequan dog arthritis treatment is intra-muscular injection with a loading dose of injections two times per week for four weeks.
The Adequan dog arthritis treatment attacks canine arthritis in by:
- helping to shield the cartilage by binding to it.
- inhibiting catabolic enzymes. (Catabolic enzymes break down complex organic compounds into simpler ones.)
- stimulating the synthesis of collagen.
- diminishing discomfort while enhancing anabolic activity. (Anabolic enzymes aid in the building of complex organic molecules from simpler ones.)
Signs of Canine Arthritis
- Personality or behavior changes may become aggressive or withdrawn
- Lagging behind on walks may seem sluggish or tired
- Reduced range of motion, may be reluctant to extend legs
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Reluctant to perform usual activities or play
- Appears to be losing weight or muscle mass
- Lameness
Warnings and Side Effects of the Adequan Dog Arthritis Treatment
Do not use in dogs showing hypersensitivity to Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan.
Also, always use caution with Adequan in dogs with renal or hepatic impairment.
Adverse Reactions: In the clinical efficacy trial, 24 dogs were treated with Adequan® Canine twice weekly for 4 weeks. Possible adverse reactions were reported after 2.1% of the injections. These included transient pain at the injection site (1 incident), transient diarrhea (1 incident each in 2 dogs), and abnormal bleeding (1 incident). These effects were mild and selflimiting and did not require interruption of therapy. To report suspected adverse reactions or for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product, contact NovartisAnimal Health US, Inc. at 18006370281. -Novartis Animal Health, US
Sources:
- Caber Feidh Scottish Deerhounds
- Novartis Animal Health
- Ohio State University (Mansfield)
More Powerful Tools for Overcoming Dog Arthritis Challenges
There are many quick and easy changes you can make at home to help you give your dog an edge on easing dog arthritis pain.
- Learn more about dog arthritis.
- Try cooking for your dog or feeding a high-quality dog food. Home-cooked diets and wet food help keep your pet from gaining too much weight. In turn, less weight means less stress on your dog’s bones and joints. PET | TAO Chill and Blaze are top choices for arthritic dogs.
- Ease your dog’s discomfort naturally. PET | TAO Comfort is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements to soothe your dog’s arthritic challenges to make him/her more comfortable.
- Provide joint support. PET | TAO Harmonize Joint is a blend of herbs and supplements working together to lubricate and restore your dog’s joints.
- Try Freeze Dried Kidney Treats. According to TCVM, Kidney controls the bones and joints and supports arthritic challenges in a “like treats like” manner.
- Learn more about TCVM Herbal Remedies. Chinese medicine offers many amazing natural solutions for dog arthritis. Some good examples are:
