Product
Info
Adequan
is an injectable drug for horses that is used to improve symptoms
caused by arthritis. The box contains one 50ml vial, which is enough
for 10 doses.
What
the product cures
The
medication helps to alleviate the symptoms brought on by both
degenerative arthritis and arthritis caused by trauma. Veterinarians
also often prescribe Adequan for equines that have had orthopedic
surgery, in order to help with inflammation and aid in the recovery
process.
Pet
Symptoms
Equine
arthritis is a progressive disease that causes permanent degeneration
of the joint cartilage. In a healthy horse, the cartilage is sleek
and allows the joints to move freely and absorb shock from moving as
it normally should. With arthritis, the cartilage starts to
deteriorate, making its surface vulnerable and leads to problems such
as a stiff gait and general discomfort.
The
symptoms caused by arthritis can come and go or be mild enough, that
it’s difficult to detect it early on. As a result, the condition
tends to be diagnosed several weeks or months after it has developed.
However, there are common symptoms you can look out for that may
indicate arthritis in your horse. Some of these symptoms include;
lying down for longer periods, trouble rising from a lying position,
decreased activity, abnormal behavior, moving slowly when in cold
climate, stiff joints that improve with movement, lameness, joint
inflammation, reduced appetite, and unusual wasting of the muscle.
Unfortunately,
there is no cure for equine arthritis, but it can be managed and the
progression of the disease can be slowed down in most cases.
Pet
Ailments
Approximately
60% of lameness cases in equines are caused by arthritis, which means
there is a high risk of developing the condition. Although there is
no known cause for arthritis, there are factors that are thought to
contribute to its development. Some of these factors are;
trauma/injury (due to inflammation being triggered), repetitive
movement (causes wear and tear of the tissue and joint structures),
and bacterial infections that may trigger inflammation.
Pets
with Ailments
Relative
info on breed most associated with this ailment
Currently,
there is no specific horse breed that is thought to be more
susceptible to getting arthritis than another. Even though arthritis
may be influenced by secondary conditions such as trauma, research
has found that all horses are predisposed to the disease as they age.
In 1999, a study was conducted and published in the Equine Vet
Journal, which showed that wild mustang horses also suffered from
arthritis symptoms. This means that even in their natural habitat,
without being worked, exercised, etc. horses are prone to arthritis
as they get older.
Questions
for the vet & product
1.
Should I inform my vet of anything before my horse starts Adequan?
Before
starting your horse on Adequan, let your vet know if he/she is
suffering from renal or liver disease, or has a condition affecting
the body’s ability to form clots. The drug has not been tested for
safety in use of pregnant, nursing, or breeding equines, so it is
important that you tell your vet about these things as well.
2.
What should be done if a dose is missed?
If
you forget to give your horse a dose, give it as soon as possible.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose to be given, wait
until then and continue with your regular schedule. Do NOT administer
twice the dose to make up for the skipped one.
3.
What if I overdose my horse on Adequan?
Overdosing
a horse with Adequan is rare, but if you are concerned that this may
be your situation, call or visit the closest veterinary emergency
hospital for professional help.
4.
Is there any medication that should be avoided while my horse is on
Adequan?
There
are currently no medications known to be contraindicated with the use
of Adequan. However, always speak with your vet before giving any new
drugs, supplements, or even vitamins to your horse.
5.
Does Adequan cause any side effects?
Adequan
side effects are uncommon, but may include diarrhea and unusual
bleeding (from nose, stool, etc.). Seek immediate veterinary help if
you believe your horse is experiencing any side effects or an
allergic reaction (swollen face, shaking, vomiting, pale gums,
collapse, and shock) from the medication.
How
it Works
Certain
enzymes in the joints cause the destruction of cartilage, leading to
arthritis. Adequan stops these enzymes from causing damage, resulting
in less inflammation and more synovial joint fluid to help improve
movement.
Directions
for use
Adequan
can only be obtained with a prescription and should be administered
exactly as directed by your vet.
Dosage
and administration: Adequan
is an injectable solution, which should be given intramuscularly at a
dosage of 500mg every four days for four weeks. The injection area
should be cleaned and disinfected before administration takes place.
Ingredients
Every
ml of Adequan has 100mg of Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan, 0.9% v/v
of Benzyl Alcohol, and water. Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid
are ingredients that may also be included.
Product
Cautions
The
drug has not been tested for safety in use of pregnant, nursing, or
breeding equines.
Before
starting your horse on Adequan, let your vet know if he/she is
suffering from renal or liver disease, or has a condition affecting
the body’s ability to form clots.
Adequan
should only be administered via the muscle.
Do
NOT use in equines with a sensitivity to Polysulfated
Glycosaminoglycan or other ingredients listed on the bottle.
The
medication should NOT be mixed with additional medication or
chemicals.
Ask
a veterinary professional for help if you are not sure about or
uncomfortable with administering an I.M. injection to your horse.
Only
give the medication to the horse it was prescribed for.
PHYSICAL
OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
Store
in a safe area where children and pets cannot reach. Adequan is NOT
for use in humans.
FIRST
AID:
If
swallowed: Contact
the poison control center and speak with a doctor for professional
guidance. While you’re waiting, water can be provided for the
person only if he or she is conscious and can swallow. Otherwise,
wait for further instructions from the poison control physician. Do
not induce vomiting, unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
If
in eyes: May
result in irritation. Use water to flush the eyes immediately for
about 20 minutes. See a doctor if problems persist.
If
on skin: May
result in irritation. Take off any clothing that has been soiled with
the medication, and use soap/water to clean the affected area
thoroughly.
Storage
& Disposal
Storage:
Keep
at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Disposal:
Do
NOT mix with other substances. Contact a local waste agency on more
information regarding proper disposal of medication or empty
containers.