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. When friction is reduced, pain and inflammation are reduced. The Adequan dog arthritis treatment works as a kind of a “pumped up” version of glucosamine. 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 is marketed by Novartis Animal Health, US. Below is how they describe their product.
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 that can be dispensed and administered only by licensed veterinarians.
How the Adequan Dog Arthritis Treatment Works
The Adequan Dog Arthritis treatment is injected intramuscularly two times per week for four weeks. It begins working in approximately two hours and stays in the joint for approximately three days. You should see signs of improvement within four weeks. Many dogs become playful and active again like they were when they were younger.
The Adequan dog arthritis treatment attacks canine arthritis in four ways:
- It helps to shield the cartilage by binding to it.
- It inhibits catabolic enzymes. (Catabolic enzymes break down complex organic compounds into simpler ones.)
- It stimulates the synthesis of collagen.
- It diminishes 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. PSGAG is a synthetic heparinoid; do not use in dogs with known or suspected bleeding disorders. There have been no studies conducted to establish the reproductive safety of Adequan in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs. Adequan should be used with caution 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)
