Adequan canine side effects

Medication for canine arthritis, such as Adequan Canine, can have side effects. As a caring owner it is up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the side effects.

What Adequan Canine Is

Adequan Canine is prescription product that may only be dispensed and administered by a licensed vet. It is an intramuscular injected substance, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, that not only relieves the pain of osteoarthritis in dogs, but also stimulates cartilage repair process, thereby reconstructing the diminished joints, soothes and lubricates the joint, while reducing the pain of friction and inflammation caused by daily activities. Reports claim that owners see a dramatic difference in their dog just after 2-3 injections, and a remarkable change in activity in about 6 months. However, each dog is different.
What Adequan Canine Is Used For

This medication is used for joint failure and stiffness, decreased or loss of mobility due to the inflammation, and pain of canine osteoarthritis. The most common joint conditions in dogs include geriatric arthritis, traumatic joint injury, hip dysplasia, spondylitis and torn ligaments. Geriatric arthritis is most common in older dogs, but any of the previously listed can occur in younger dogs. Visible signs of canine osteoarthritis include but are not limited to:

• Any kind of limp
• Difficulty getting up
• Loss of interest in activity
• Decreased activity
• Difficulty or refusing to go up or down stairs

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How Safe Is Adequan Canine?

Adequan Canine has been approved by the FDA when given in the recommended dose. However, studies of its use in breeding and pregnant dogs have not been done. Side effects of this medicine have been relatively mild when used in the correct dose. Like all kinds of medication it is important to ask your veterinarian for advice on whether it is right for your pet and what would be the best dosage to start out with.

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Side Effects of Adequan Canine

• Stinging on injection site
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Abnormal bleeding

However, Adequan Canine states that only 5 of 156 tested dogs had mild side effects and the most common was pain upon injection. The second most common symptom was an upset stomach. According to one study, it caused low blood platelet count, which quickly cleared up when the dog was taken off the medication. Some humans even tested the medication on themselves and reported a stinging sensation upon injection which quickly cleared up.

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