Adequan Equine 500mg/5ml: Lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses 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 Equine 500mg/5ml 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. For more visit us at http://www.allvetmed.com/Adequan%20Equine-p/ADE500.htm