Product
Info
Adequan
is an intramuscular injection for equines used to help alleviate
symptoms due to arthritis. The package comes with seven 5ml vials.
What
the product cures
Adequan
helps minimize discomfort, improve mobility, and reduce other
symptoms caused by equine arthritis. It is also prescribed for horses
that have undergone orthopedic procedures, and can benefit from the
formula while healing is in process.
Pet
Symptoms
Arthritis
in horses is a continuing disease that causes deterioration of the
cartilage around the joints. Normally, the cartilage is smooth,
allowing the joints to be flexible and to absorb shock as the horse
moves. However, equines suffering from arthritis have damaged
cartilage that isn’t as smooth, causing limited mobility as well as
pain, discomfort, and additional problems.
Arthritis
can cause a wide range of symptoms, and sometimes they may not even
be obvious until the disease has progressed to later stages. For this
reason, it can be hard to detect arthritis in horses early on, and it
can be months from the time the condition developed until you notice
any abnormalities. Some of the symptoms owners should keep an eye out
for include; staying in a lying position longer than usual,
difficulty moving from one position to another, lowered activity
levels, change in behavior (depressed, aggressive, etc.), slow
movement in cold temperatures, lameness, swelling of the joints,
decreased hunger, and muscle degeneration.
Sadly,
there is no cure for equine arthritis, but there are medications
available that can help with the symptoms and even slow down the
progression of the disease. Making lifestyle changes for your horse
such as providing exercise and feeding a balanced diet is also
beneficial.
Pet
Ailments
It
is thought that about 60% of horses seen for lameness have arthritis,
meaning that equines in general, have an increased risk of developing
the disease. Although experts are yet to figure out what the exact
cause of arthritis is, there are several factors that can raise the
chances of it developing. Some examples include; continuous movement
or overuse of joints, bacterial infections, and trauma.
Pets
with Ailments
Relative
info on breed most associated with this ailment
Up
to now, researchers have been unable to prove that any one equine
breed is more or less prone to getting arthritis. However, they have
discovered that for most horses, arthritis is part of the aging
process. This study was done in 1999 and published in the Equine
Veterinary Journal. Scientists were able to prove that arthritis
symptoms not only existed among domesticated horses that are worked
and trained, but also among wild horses that live in their natural
environment. In other words, arthritis is not only caused by working,
training, and exercising horses, as previously thought.
Questions
for the vet & product
1.
What should my vet know before putting my horse on Adequan?
Before
you vet prescribes Adequan, let him or her know whether your horse
has any form of kidney, liver, or bleeding disorder. It is also
important to tell your vet if your horse is pregnant, nursing, or may
become pregnant, as the drug has not been tested for safety measures
in this situation.
2.
How should I handle a missed dose?
It
is NEVER okay to give a double dose after forgetting to give the
mediation on time. Instead, give the next dose as soon as possible,
or if it’s almost time for the next dose, wait until then and
continue with the schedule normally.
3.
What should I do if I overdose my horse?
Adequan
overdoses are unusual in horses, but you should contact your vet
immediately if you suspect there may be a problem.
4.
Are there medications I should NOT give while my horse is on Adequan?
There
are no drug contraindications for Adequan. However, ask your vet if
it is okay before starting your horse on a new mediation or
supplement.
5.
What are the possible side effects of Adequan?
Side
effects are not common with Adequan, but like with all drugs, they
are possible. Some of the side effects reported include; loose
stools, bloody nose, and bloody/tarry bowel movements. Get veterinary
help immediately if your horse experiences side effects or an
allergic reaction (facial swelling, respiratory problems, vomiting,
trembling, pale mucous membranes, and loss of consciousness).
How
it Works
Adequan
works by inhibiting cartilage-damaging enzymes. This results in
slowed progression, reduced inflammation, thickened synovial joint
fluid, and overall improvement in mobility and comfort.
Directions
for use
Adequan
is only available through veterinary prescription and must be given
as instructed by your vet.
Dosage
and administration: Adequan
should be given as an injection via intramuscular route, at a
recommended dosage of 500mg every fourth day for 28 days. The
injection site needs to be disinfected before the medication is
administered.
Ingredients
There
is 500mg of Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan in every 5ml of Adequan,
as well as water, and possibly Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, and
Hydrochloric Acid.
Product
Cautions
Adequan
has not been tested in the use of nursing, pregnant, or breeding
horses; therefore, its safety is unknown in this case.
Let
your vet know if your horse has a renal, liver, or bleeding disorder
before beginning treatment.
Adequan
should only be given via intramuscular injection.
Avoid
using Adequan in equines that are sensitive to any ingredients in the
product, including Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan.
Do
NOT mix the drug with any other substances.
Seek
professional veterinary help if you are not comfortable with or do
not know how to give an I.M. injection to your horse.
The
medication should only be given to the horse it was prescribed for.
PHYSICAL
OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
Keep
in a secure area, away from children and pets. Adequan is NOT meant
for human use.
FIRST
AID:
If
swallowed: Call
poison control and talk with a physician for professional advice. In
the meantime, it is okay to give the person some water as long as
he/she is awake and can swallow. Do NOT cause vomiting, unless you’re
told to do so by a medical professional.
If
in eyes: May
cause irritation. Quickly rinse eyes with clean water for
approximately 15 minutes. Consult a doctor if issues continue.
If
on skin: May
cause irritation. Remove clothes that have been dirtied with the
medication, and apply soap/water to the skin until it is clean.
Storage
& Disposal
Storage:
Store
at room temperature, not exceeding more than 25 degrees Celsius.
Disposal:
Do
NOT reuse empty container or dispose of leftover medication the
drainage system. Call a nearby disposal company and ask for
information in regards to disposing medication and empty medication
containers.