If your pet suffers from a degenerative joint condition or a disease like arthritis, you may find that providing him with Adequan for dogs is a good way to help manage the symptoms of his condition. Adequan, the formula version of the generic drug known as polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, is a common medicine that is used to reduce inflammation in and around joints, as well as to slow the degeneration of this part of your dog's body as well.
Adequan Overview
Adequan belongs to a class of drugs called polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, or PSGAGs. PSGAGs are known for their ability to protect cartilage around the joints in your pet's body. They accomplish this by reducing the production of enzymes in your pet's system that will break down the cartilage, thereby preventing damage to the joints. Adequan can be helpful at reducing or slowing the progression of degenerative joint conditions of a variety of types. It is available only through a prescription and is approved by the FDA for use in animals only.
Using Adequan for Your Pet
If your dog appears to be limping, stiff or sore from a joint problem of some type, take him to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. Adequan is oftentimes prescribed for mild arthritis pain and other localized joint issues as well. While Adequan can help to reduce inflammation and degeneration of joint conditions, it is oftentimes not sufficient to completely rid your pet of any pain associated with these conditions. For this reason, it's not uncommon to pair Adequan with a pain relief medicine as well.
Adequan is available in an injection only. It is typically injected at the site of the joint pain or close by it, in order to be maximally effective. The exact amount of the drug that will be necessary depends upon your dog's size, age, weight, the type and severity of his condition. Typically, you'll need to provide him with an injection directly to the joint approximately every 3 to 5 days over the course of several weeks. In nearly all cases, the veterinarian will provide the injection.
Adequan Side Effects and Warnings
Adequan is generally considered very safe for your pet. It can react negatively with certain drugs in your dog's system, however, so it's important that you tell your vet of any preexisting conditions. It should also not be given to a dog shortly before or after surgery, if there's an infection in the area, or if your pet has coagulation problems.
The most common side effects of Adequan include:
- joint infection
- swelling
- inflammation
- mild pain
In rare cases, your pet may suffer from a more serious allergic reaction to the medicine. If this should happen to occur, it will be crucial that you take your pet to the veterinarian for a thorough examination.
Signs of a more serious reaction typically include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing and chewing
- loss of consciousness