Adequan for dogs is an injectable medication that can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. It also helps reduce joint pain and other arthritis symptoms. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby breaks it all down, so you can be well informed if your vet prescribes Adequan for your dog.
Your dog is always there for you. So, when he or she develops arthritis pain, you want to be able to be there for your dog too. Thankfully, there are many treatments available that can provide relief from pain and discomfort like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and joint supplements for dogs.
But what if you could also help prevent the pain and inflammation of arthritis? This is where disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs like Adequan for dogs can come to the rescue!
Where an anti-inflammatory drug reduces inflammation and pain temporarily (which is still helpful), Adequan is intended to change the trajectory of joint disease in dogs.
What is Adequan for dogs?
To define what Adequan is, first it’s helpful to get an understanding of what is going on with your dog’s arthritic joints. Osteoarthritis in dogs (i.e. degenerative joint disease) occurs when the cartilage on the ends of bones is damaged or destroyed. As a result, the joints become inflamed, painful, and stiff.
Adequan Canine® (i.e. Adequan) is an FDA-approved drug that’s designed to combat these arthritic changes. In short, Adequan is a chondroprotectant. This means that it protects the cartilaginous tissue covering the ends of the bones.
Adequan contains polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). You can think about these molecules as one of the building blocks of joints. Medications such as Adequan that contain PSGAGs are classified as disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOAD). Rather than just addressing pain and inflammation after they occur, DMOADs can slow or change the progression of osteoarthritis.
Adequan is currently the only FDA-approved DMOAD labeled for use in dogs.
How does Adequan work?
Adequan helps improve overall joint health. Primarily, it works to protect cartilage, which is a soft, flexible type of connective tissue that cushions the ends of bones. You can think of cartilage as a shock absorber. It is smooth, which helps the ends of the bone glide over one another. To help reduce friction when joints flex, synovial fluid is present in joint spaces. It plays a critical role in helping to lubricate the joints.
There are many ways that Adequan can help protect the joints and cartilage. Some of them include:
- Increasing the concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in synovial fluid. This compound is responsible for the viscous, lubricating nature of synovial fluid.
- Inhibiting enzymes that destroy cartilage and connective tissue.
- Blocking the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a naturally occurring hormone that increases the loss of molecules which make up cartilage and may be associated with the amount of lameness or pain a dog experiences.
- Inhibiting the enzymes that break down HA and collagen (a building block of cartilage).
- Stimulating the production of HA, collagen, and proteoglycans that are used to make healthy cartilage.
- Reducing levels of proteins in synovial fluid, which would otherwise contribute to inflammation.
Which dogs can benefit from Adequan?
According to the Adequan package insert, “Adequan® Canine is recommended for intramuscular injection for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints.”
In other words, its primary use is for dogs with osteoarthritis.
So, which dogs may develop arthritis? Many senior dogs will naturally develop arthritis as part of the aging process. However, arthritis can affect younger dogs as well. Some dogs may be more likely to develop arthritis than others. Risk factors for arthritis include:
- Being overweight or obese, which puts more pressure on the joints. (Find your dog’s body condition score to see if he or she is overweight.)
- Having a genetic predisposition to joint problems.
- Experiencing other orthopedic problems which change the joint mechanics.
In addition to using Adequan for dogs suffering from arthritis, veterinarians may recommend Adequan for other conditions such as hip dysplasia in dogs, elbow dysplasia, dogs with patellar luxation, and torn ACL in dogs. This is because Adequan can promote joint lubrication, provide relief from inflammation, and renew cartilage building blocks.
If you are unsure if your dog would be a good candidate for Adequan, speak with your veterinarian.
What is the Adequan dosage for dogs?
When used as a medication for dogs, Adequan is only available as an injectable formulation for intramuscular (i.e. in the muscle) use.
The dose of an Adequan injection for dogs will be based on a dog’s weight. Small breed dogs will receive a small volume injection while large breed dogs require a higher volume. For this reason, Adequan can sometimes be cost-prohibitive for large and giant breed dogs.
If Adequan is the medication of choice for your dog, your vet or vet nurse will administer an Adequan injection twice a week for up to four weeks for a maximum of eight injections. After that, your dog may have injections as needed for controlling signs of pain. The average maintenance schedule varies from once a week to once every four weeks.
How long does Adequan take to work?
Within 30 minutes of injection, Adequan will start working. It reaches all affected joints within a two-hour time span. The medication remains in your dog’s cartilage and synovial fluid for three days. Your vet or vet nurse will repeat the injections close together for the first eight injections to keep the PSGAG levels maintained in the joints for a longer period of time.
After the initial injection series, most dogs continue to experience good results while on a maintenance schedule. Keep an eye on your dog’s mobility and pain levels. This will help you determine how often he or she needs another Adequan injection.
What are the side effects of Adequan?
Thankfully, side effects from Adequan usage are rare. However, it is important to let your veterinarian know if you are seeing any of the following signs:
- Pain or swelling around the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Loss of appetite
Transient diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported side effects of Adequan. Vomiting and inappetence are much rarer. Occasionally, dogs receiving Adequan experience abnormal bleeding. For this reason, you should not consider using Adequan if you dog has a suspected bleeding disorder and/or if he or she is taking any anti-coagulant medications.
Is Adequan safe for dogs?
The canine formula of Adequan has been approved by the FDA for use in dogs and is generally considered safe. However, there are some situations where Adequan may not be the best choice for your dog.
Adequan should be used with caution in dogs with renal or hepatic impairment (i.e. kidney or liver disease). This is because the kidneys are primarily responsible for excreting Adequan (i.e. removing it from the body). Since liver disease in dogs can impact blood clotting ability, it is best to avoid Adequan in those dogs, too. The veterinary team should also not administer Adequan to dogs who are hypersensitive to PSGAG drugs.
There are no age or breed restrictions when it comes to Adequan usage. However, researchers have not yet evaluated its safety in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. If you plan to breed your dog, ask your vet about the risks versus benefits of using Adequan in this situation.
Also, Adequan is generally safe to use with a variety of other medications, including NSAIDs or steroids (i.e. prednisone for dogs). However, it is always good to give your vet a list of all medications and supplements your dog is taking before adding any new medications.
Long-term use of Adequan for dogs
Since Adequan is so useful in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis, it is reassuring to know that Adequan injections are safe for long-term use in dogs.
In order to avoid any pain or inflammation at the injection site, your vet may change the location of the injection each time he or she administers it. For example, your vet or vet nurse may start with your dog’s right hind limb as the injection site and then go to the left hind limb the next time.
While there is not a set protocol for when to repeat injections, some licensed veterinarians will administer them every one to four weeks. In other cases, your vet might suggest repeating the twice-weekly schedule every six months. The protocol will depend on what helps your canine companion best!
Talk to your veterinarian
There may come a time in your senior dog’s life when he or she isn’t able to move around as well as before. Or maybe your young or middle-aged dog ends up having an orthopedic disease like hip dysplasia. It can be comforting to know that there are many different ways to deal with the signs of arthritis in dogs.
Your veterinarian can help you design the best plan for your dog. Maybe it involves NSAIDs, tramadol for dogs, gabapentin for dogs, or amantadine for dogs to help with pain management.
Or perhaps you are going to start a joint supplement like Encore Mobility or try laser therapy for dogs, a dog chiropractor, or acupuncture to help your dog feel better. These are all great options.
But don’t forget about also trying to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by asking your vet about Adequan. It might be just what your furry family member needs in order to have a better quality of life!
Has your dog been on Adequan?
Please share your experiences below.
We have a 15 year old golden retriever mix who weighs 38 lbs. She gets amantadine daily,, carprofen twice daily, famotadine twice daily for the carprofen. She also gets Adequan 1 ml IM every two weeks. Our vet had recommended the Adequan once a month, but we could tell when the affects of the Adequan wore off. After a lot of research, we increased the frequency to every two weeks. She has been on this regimen for about two years. You can see the affects of the Adequan in a couple of hours, it is amazing. She is trying to play with our other golden, with much better walking. I am a paramedic, so I give the injections. Sadly, her arthritis is progressing. I am currently trying to decide whether to increase the Adequan to weekly.
Hi Brian,
Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers. It is very encouraging to hear a success story! This will certainly offer hope to others in a similar situation. I pray you can continue to adjust your girl’s medications to ensure she maintains a good quality of life. Wishing you both the best for many happy days ahead!
My 15 year old Corgi started Adquan injections 8 months ago due to her pain in her back legs/hips. Tara was splaying her rear legs out to the sides and panting. The vet started anti inflammatory medications and pain meds. After a yr or so she needed more help but was happy otherwise so we desided to give this a try. I am a nurse so I had the vet show me injection sites and I do the shots myself routing sites each time. Tara does fantastic on this medication her legs knowonget splay out and she is not in pain but still on anti inflammatory dose that is a lower dose than ideal but helps her. When her shot is due in a day or too her rear legs start to splay out and I can easily tell it is wearing off. This has prolonged her life and comfort by 8 months so far!! I love this Im shot medication!
Hi Glenda,
This makes my day! I am so glad your senior girl is doing well with the Adequan injections and has gained a new lease on life. What a blessing for her to still be with you and remain pain free. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Give your sweet girl a hug for me and keep up the good work!
Our 15 year old border/Aussie has been on Adequan for several years now and we really believe it has extended her life. It’s been the one thing that has made the biggest positive impact on her arthritis. In the past year she has been taking sub q shots weekly as prescribed by our vet with zero adverse reactions. In the past three weeks she has experienced transient diarrhea for the two days following her shot. At first we attributed it to other food items like a small bit of cheese we had given the day prior to her shots. Unfortunately after 3 weeks of this we are able to confidently say it’s the Adequan. It’s such a loss but we are hoping that a high quality glucosamine supplement, bi monthly chiropractic appointments (which help immensely), curcumin, at home acupressure, massage, and her small dose of Gabapentin combined will result in what Adequan once gave us. We don’t know why she all of a sudden developed a sensitivity to it but at her age we cannot have her going through diarrhea like this, even if it is medication induced and she is otherwise happy as a clam. With that said, for a number of years we were extremely happy with Adequan and would not hesitate to use it for any future dogs we have assuming they tolerate it well.
Hi Krista,
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with Adequan with us! I’m so thankful that it made such an amazing difference for your dog for several years. I’m not sure why she suddenly developed diarrhea after the injections either, but it sounds like you have a great plan in place to continue to manage her arthritis. I hope that she is continuing to live her best life with you and that you get many more wonderful days with her!
Hi, your dog was receiving weekly doses? How much does your dog weigh and how much was the dosage? I thought there were limits to how many injections with this medication. Thanks.
Hello Doctor,
My senior dog (age 14 +-) started Adequan 3 weeks ago for osteoarthritis, deteriorating mobility and lousy hips. She administered it into the skin, not muscle, and taught me to do the same, which I have been doing. I have read it can be administered successfully this way. But if anything, his movement is worse, not better. He is more tired, less able to walk and get around. He’s had tons of blood tests and the vet says his liver and kidney are fine, tho we have been treating pancreatitis with a prescription low fat diet. My question: is it possible the subcutaneous injections don’t work? Or maybe something else? Thank you!
Hi Annie,
I understand your concern with these worsening symptoms in your senior dog. I am not sure about the difference in efficacy of the Adequan when given subcutaneously verses intramuscularly (IM). The labeled recommendations for this product are for it to be given IM. Please make sure your vet is aware of these new issues. They may want to have you bring your pup in for an exam or to do some testing. I hope you can get some answers quickly and find the best way to restore your sweet boy’s quality of life. Best wishes to you both.
we have just started our dog, a Dogue de Bordeaux, on Adequan. He had his first dose last week along with 2 unrelated vaccines. That evening he started vomiting and expelled his entire stomach contents. He was unable to keep anything down including water. He was like this all night and the entire next day, unable to eat or drink anything. Towards that night I was able to give him 2 ice cubes that he kept down, but it was not until the second day after injection that he started eating (bland food) and drinking again. We obviously consulted with our vet and we all suspected that his reaction was to one of the vaccines. Yesterday he had his second injection and unfortunately I have to say with the same adverse reactions, so they did stem from the Adequan or all three. Will talk to our vet when they open, but it’s highly unlikely that we, the owners, are willing to continue the treatment under these conditions… we had such high hopes, are devastated and at back to square one.
Hi Silke,
I am sorry your big guy had such a negative reaction to the Adequan injections. I am hopeful that with the help of your vet, you will be able to find the best way to relieve his arthritis pain. Here is a link to another article with additional therapy options that might be of benefit to your dog: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers as this may be very helpful to someone else in a similar situation. Wishing you both the best of luck and praying your sweet boy is headed for better days.
Hello,
I have a 9 year old beagle Chihuahua mix. hes 37 pounds and has been dealing with a torn CCL on his back right leg for the last 3 months. He just finished his 8 week course of adequan injections today. he still has a limp more like a hop when he walks and he still favors his back right leg he can put weight on it but it shakes when he stands on it. He actually does put all his weight on that leg while he lifts his left leg to pee on things. not all the time but I have seen him do it multiple times and it does not seem to cause in pain. He has a good appetite. I take him out in a stroller for walks and I will take him out in the stroller about 4 or 5 times during the walk so he can walk on his own for a little bit and sniff and pee on things and then I put it back in the stroller. trying not to overdo it. my question is after getting his last shot today the vet told me to take a break for 2 months to give his body a break then we can restart later if needed. now while I am all about not having to pay $45 a shot for the next couple months after doing it twice a week for 4 weeks, I also don’t want him to go backwards In his therapy. somebody else I know said that an orthopedic vet told her that they should never stop the adequan injections altogether because if you stop and then try to restart it you will never get the same level of effectiveness. What is the answer? I’m guessing every situation will be different but I’m not sure I want to stop it completely. I wouldn’t mind doing it once a month but I imagine my vet wouldn’t even entertain the thought of doing that because it seems like they are just following a certain protocol and don’t feel like deviating from it.
Hi Michelle,
I understand your concerns about discontinuing the Adequan injections for your senior boy. The prescribing information that comes in the Adequan packaging recommends it be used twice weekly for up to 4 weeks. The use of Adequan for longer than this initial 4-week period is completely up to the veterinarian’s discretion. I have not seen any data to imply dogs need a break in therapy to allow their body to rest. I know many veterinarians use this treatment on a long-term basis for many different diseases and conditions as I have as well. I also haven’t seen any research to indicate if you stop the injections that you can never regain the same level of effectiveness. Ultimately the decision is yours! You can ask your vet to continue the monthly injections and if they are uncomfortable with that treatment protocol then you can always seek out a second opinion. You may also want to look into other therapy options. Here is a link to another article with more information: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
With all that being said, there may be a good reason for why your vet has recommended discontinuing the Adequan. Without playing a personal role in your dog’s medical care it is hard for me to make specific conclusions. Your best bet is to talk to your vet and ask any lingering questions you may have. I am hopeful that together you will be able to maintain your sweet boy’s health and quality of life. Best wishes and good luck!
My 5 year old Rottie/Pit/Husky has been taking Adequan once a month for a year. She has early signs of mild arthritis and elbow dysplasia. Adequan has been a miracle for her. She had a heavy limp in her front leg for months that would not go away. Within days of her first rounds of Adequan the limp disappeared and never came back. She was able to go on walks again and lost the weight that was hard to get off from lack of exercise. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, having muscle tone from exercise and Adequan have turned her health around. We donʻt let her play with other dogs anymore, so fun but so much bouncing and jerking really irritated her elbow. Canʻt say enough about Adequan for our dog!
Hi Lauren,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our readers! I am happy to hear your girl is feeling better and able to live life to the fullest. What a blessing for her to be pain free. Best wishes and bless you both!
My German Shepherd was diagnosised with Hip Dysphasia at the age of 5 and has been on adequan once a month. He is 11 and we’re starting to notice a reduction in his mobility. Can you increase the adequan injections if needed?
Hi Heather,
I am sorry your Shepherd is struggling with joint pain. It is possible to increase the frequency of injections similar to when they were first started but this would be a temporary increase and probably not recommended for long term. There are many other ways to help reduce pain and inflammation. I will attach links to other articles with more information and advice. Best wishes!
1. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
2. How Long Can a Dog Live with Hip Dysplasia?
3. Helpful Medicine for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs. 11 Tips for Treating Hip Dysplasia without Surgery
4. Hip Support for Dogs: 7 Solutions
5. Navigating a Dog Hip Replacement
Hello Julie. I hope you are doing well! We have a basset by the name of Maddie. Being 16 years old she had joint and hip issues for some time. Her mobility has really been affected the last 3 weeks or so. We are now on our second injection as of yesterday. I want my little girl to get well quickly of course. It is hard to be patient. I know it’s hard to predict the future but when should I see improvement? Do you think the 4 weeks would be a good indicator if Adequan is working? She was getting better it seemed with supplements but due to a respiratory infection she wasnt eating very well. Now she eating much better with an appetite enhancer. Hopefully the turmeric, glucosamine and Adequan will speed up the process. Thank you for your much needed advice!
Hi Jason,
I am sorry Maddie is dealing with arthritis pain. I know how hard it is to be patient while watching your sweet girl struggle. I do think the 4 weeks is a good indicator in most cases. Some dogs just don’t respond to Adequan the way we hope. I like the supplements you mentioned and think they are a good addition to Maddie’s routine. I will attach links to other articles with more information and ideas for treatments or therapies you may want to look into. There are so many options for dogs with arthritis pain! I hope you can find the right combination of therapies to help Maddie keep living her best life. Wishing you the best of luck.
1. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
3. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
I started my 14 year old German Shepherd/ Husky mix,, who has always been healthy except for hip problems in past year, on Adequan and she took all 8 injections. It did seem to help her mobility and stretching her rear legs. However, a few days after she finished the last injection, she began to show signs of kidney failure. Her BUN was 38, creatinine was 1.6 and specificic gravity was 1015.. She had no kidney problems before except a high bun level (37) on occasion. She began to not drink water and became lethargic. She is doing better and my Vet is determining a treatment..
I contacted 3 different Vets before starting the injections and all recommended Adequan. I am not saying Adequan caused it because it could just be because of age. All 3 Vets do not believe it caused it. I would however recommend doing bloodwork after the first 4 injections just to be on the safe side.
Hi Jackj,
I am sorry your senior girl is struggling with the early stages of kidney failure. Thank you for being willing to share your story with our readers. Your advice is sound and may be just what someone else in a similar situation needs to hear. I hope your vet can find some answers and determine the best way to proceed with treatment. Praying your girl can stabilize and have many happy days ahead. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Well, our dog seems to have at least partially torn her meniscus and has moderate arthritis. She hurt herself about three weeks ago and has had an intermittent limp… Our new vet gave her cold laser on her knees and back and we started Adequan yesterday, along with Traumeel tablets and some other homeopathic ligament powder. Almost immediately after the injection, she’s become extremely mellow and sleepy acting. She’s normally a very active and lively dog, so I am concerned. I let the vet know but she said it’s probably not the Adequan but that she’s been through a lot in the last month (aural hematoma, heart murmur detection and a fairly involved dental surgery two weeks ago). But through all other situations, she didn’t act like this. So I am getting concerned about subsequent injections. What could be going on?
Hi Andrea,
I feel like it’s time we cover your poor pup in bubble wrap! The two of you just can’t catch a break. I am sorry you are now dealing with joint issues on top of everything else. Honestly, I have never experienced this type of issue after administering Adequan to one of my patients, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. The trouble with trying to narrow down the cause of these new behavior changes is your dog received several new treatments all within a short period of time. It is hard to know if the lethargy is due to the Adequan, Traumeel, ligament powder, recovering from the dental extractions, or a combination of things. Ultimately, if you feel the Adequan could be a problem it is ok to make the call to discontinue these treatments. Please make sure your vet is aware of your concerns and wishes moving forward. I am still pulling for you and your sweet girl. Hoping you will have happy days ahead and smooth sailing in the future!
Thank you! it turned out Elektra had a UTI. But we still stopped the Adequan after that one dose, because I felt like enough was enough at that point. Since then, she’s been on many daily supplements:, including Traumeel, ligament powder, omegas, Osteo pills, Taurine and immune support. And we are still doing the cold laser therapy.. But I do see that she isn’t putting equal weight on her left leg and it occasionally shakes. Our vet says we could restart the Adequan or do a course of anti-inflammatories. I just don’t know what to do, because both seem to come with potential side effects and problems. And she now has several lipomas on her rib cage. I can’t help but wonder if past traditional medicines have caused them.
Hi Andrea,
I am so glad you found the cause of Elektra’s lethargy! You may want to consult with a veterinary rehabilitation professional and see if they have any other suggestions for your girl’s knee pain. I have never known of medicines or treatments to cause a lipoma. In my experience these are usually more of a genetic issue. Hopefully they will not cause a problem and you can get a break from surgery for a while. Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!
My 14 year old Golden Retriever, Eller, was diagnosed at age 11 with hip dysplasia. Despite the cost of adequan (the limiting factor with most medications) it kept him happy and healthy two weeks shy of what would have been his 15th birthday. I highly recommend this medication in my experience.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our readers. What a blessing to have gained extra quality time with Eller!
Hi Julie. We took our 13-year-old mixed breed (82-pound border collie, Rottweiler, Chow Chow and boxer) for his annual physical about two weeks ago. He has hip dysplasia and some arthritis, but that didn’t stop him from chasing deer and going for long walks. He was active and alert. He was prescribed Adequan and had the first three injections. Now we have a dog that can barely walk and struggles to get up the stairs to the deck. His head is down and his back arched when he walks. It’s pitiful. Is it possible it’s a reaction to the Adequan? He also had the usual treatments at his physical: bordetella, DAP(P) and Lepto. He has never reacted to these in the past. During the nose-to-tail physical he was turned on his side, flipped on his back (in a canal) to be shaved for an ultrasound and blood tests. Was he injured during the physical? Something happened for sure and the timing goes right back to that physical. Thanks much. Tom, Wimberley, Texas
Hi Tom,
You are right to be concerned about these recent changes to your big guy. I am not aware of Adequan causing side effects like you are describing. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions, but it makes me suspicious that something else may be going on. Have you let your vet know about these signs of pain since the last visit? My best recommendation is to have him re-evaluated as soon as possible. I hope you can find some answers and help restore your dog’s quality of life. Praying for a positive outcome and quick resolution.
I’m taking our 15 year old pup to see the vet soon in order to discuss Adequan injections for her moderate/severe OA. She also has some knuckling and limb weakness in her hind legs. The research indicates that Adequan should not be used in dogs with liver or bleeding issues. Our dog has had elevated liver enzymes in the past (now under control) and the vet believes she may have stomach cancer in the form of a tumor (hence no more NSAIDs). Do you think these latter issues make it risky to pursue Adequan injections for our dog?
Hi Brandi,
I am glad you are being proactive with advocating for your dog’s health and wellbeing. You are right to be cautious about trying new medications with your pup’s history of liver dysfunction and possible cancerous stomach tumor. Adequan may still be an option for your dog, but I would let your vet make the call since they are completely up to date with all the details of your dog’s history. With that being said, is your senior girl on any other treatments for her arthritis? There are so many ways to help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with OA. I will attach links to other articles that may offer additional information. Supplements can be a great option as well as laser therapy and physical therapy. I hope you can find the right combination of things to give your girl the best quality of life. Wishing you the best of luck!
1. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
3. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
Hi Julie,
My veterinarian has prescribed Adequan for the beginning stage of a tracheal collapse. I wanted to ask if it is common to prescribe Adequan for a tracheal collapse alone? Also do you feel that it is a good idea?
Hi Richard,
Adequan is a great treatment to try and help slow the progression of tracheal collapse. Collapsing trachea is due to weakened cartilage rings and Adequan helps protect cartilage and slow the destruction of cartilage. Adequan alone is a great first therapy to try! Eventually your pup may require additional medications, but I hope this will be all you need for now.
My 12 year old Great Pyrenees just finished her 8 weeks on Adequan and is now on the maintenance shots as needed. I also give her a B-1 thiamine shot at the same time.
The difference is incredible she went from barely being able to get up,to running full speed after a unwanted guest.
She hasn’t been able to do this for the last few years so this is Huge.
I can’t make my beautiful girl young again ( the average age for her bread is 10-12)
But I’m so grateful my vet recommended Adequan after she went in for her teeth cleaning and X-rays
I have since put all my senior livestock on Adequan and I’m really happy with their progress. I wish I had known about this medication 40 years ago .
Hi Karen,
That is such great news! I am so happy your big girl is feeling well and back to running and playing. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our readers. This may help someone else in a similar situation that is considering Adequan treatment for their senior pup. What a blessing to still have your sweet girl with you after 12 years. I pray you still have many happy days ahead!
Just to respond to Judy’s question above about something for at-home use, my vet prescribed my senior pup Adequan and I’m giving him the injections myself at home. I was nervous the first time, but it was truly no problem, and there are YouTube videos that show how. Check with your vet to see if they’re comfortable with that.
My dog is on antibiotics for diarrhea. I give her an Adequan injection every six weeks. Can I give her an Adequan injection while she is on the antibiotics (Metronidazole)? She will be going to the vet in a few days for a routine check-up, but the Adequan injection is due now.
Hi Cydney,
I am not aware of any issues with giving Adequan and antibiotics at the same time. Just to be safe, it would be best to call your vet and get their approval before administering the Adequan. They can let you know if there are any concerns or specific issues to monitor for. Best wishes!
Is there something equal to Adequan that I can give at home?
Hi Judy,
While there are many different supplements, medications, and therapies that can be used to treat arthritis, I am not aware of anything available to use at home that is similar to Adequan. Adequan is an injection that is administered by your veterinarian. If you are looking for alternatives, I highly recommend you talk to your vet or an integrative vet in your area.
My 3 year old was just prescribed Adequan shots and I am reading about them online and read some scary reactions to this shot and now I have scared myself. Help!
Hi Pamela,
I understand being wary when starting your dog on a new medication or treatment. It is crazy some of the misinformation you can find online these days, so always be careful with your sources. I am not exactly sure what your concerns are that were not covered in the article. I highly recommend you talk to your vet and discuss any worries you have. This will also give them a chance to answer any lingering questions. Wishing you the best!
What is the difference between Adequan and Librela?
Hi Sheila,
Adequan helps protect joint cartilage from damage and increases the amount of hyaluronic acid that lubricates the joint. Librela is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits nerve growth factor that contributes to joint and osteoarthritis pain.
My Lab, Gracie has been getting Adequan injections for many many years. She’s had arthritis issues since she was around 4 years old. She is now 13. She is stiff and gets up and down slowly but she is still moving. I still take her for very short walks. We built ramps for her last summer so she wouldn’t have to use the stairs to get off the deck anymore. But I truly believe she wouldn’t be with us today had she not been getting the Adequan injections and taking Glucosamine daily. I believe it has been the key to keeping her mobile all these 13 years. We are defiantly living on “borrowed” time with her that we would not have had without it.
Hi Amy,
I am happy to hear that Adequan has been such a lifesaver for your sweet girl. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and give Gracie a hug for me!
Hi. The vet has recommended that my dog start using Adequan. I also just ordered CBD for my dog as well. Should I hold off on the CBD while using Adequan? Thank you!
Hi Cheryl,
I am not aware of any adverse drug interactions between CBD oil and Adequan. That being said, your vet should always know about any supplements or medications your dog is taking to prevent unwanted side effects or reactions. I recommend you talk to you vet about the CBD oil and see when they think it should be administered. Good luck!
Can a dog receive tramadol pills and Adequan injections?
Hi Kathy,
I am not aware of any issues with combining these two medications. I recommend you talk to your vet and see what they recommend for your dog’s specific situation. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I don’t know for sure if this is the best option.