Adequan for Dogs: Does It Actually Rebuild Joints?
The changes in your dog brought on by arthritis can be swift and hard to watch. It may feel like just yesterday your dog was bounding up the stairs, only to now struggle while trying to get up onto the couch. You only want what is best for your pet, and seeing them go through this kind of pain is a harsh reality.
To get to the title question for this page, we can say that Adequan does not rebuild joints, at least in the way that you might be thinking. With that said, Adequan can be a helpful treatment in the face of arthritis and other joint problems, so it is certainly worth having on your radar. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and what it might be able to do for your beloved pet.
What Exactly Is Adequan for Dogs?
Adequan is an injectable medication that can be prescribed by a vet to manage arthritis and other joint problems.[1] The active ingredient in this medication, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, mimics the natural building blocks found in healthy cartilage.
Once injected, Adequan helps your dog’s joints by supporting healthy joint fluid and blocking enzymes that break down cartilage. That’s important because, if left untreated, osteoarthritis will continue to cause your dog’s cartilage to thin, which will lead to further inflammation and pain.
How Do These Canine Injections Work to Support My Dog?
It’s important to note that Adequan is not a painkiller. Instead, it’s a treatment that slows cartilage breakdown and encourages healthier joints over time. This is why a series of Adequan injections may be recommended before your dog reaches a point of extreme pain or movement restriction.[2] By getting ahead of the situation, it’s possible to avoid more severe symptoms down the line.
A common schedule for Adequan injections is twice a week for four weeks, leading to a total of eight doses. Following this loading dose month, a common course of treatment is once a month injections thereafter. Of course, your vet will determine the precise schedule that is right for your dog’s needs. When used successfully, this medication can break the cycle of degeneration that is commonly associated with arthritis.
Adequan vs. Librela: Should I Choose Pain Relief or Joint Repair?
There is often some confusion among dog owners regarding the differences between Librela and Adequan.[3] You don’t need to be an expert on these two drugs, but it is helpful to understand on a basic level that Librela is used for pain relief while Adequan is used with the goal of joint repair.
Fortunately, you don’t have to pick one or the other. Both of these medications can be used to help your dog deal with arthritis. Often, Adequan will be started when the first signs of arthritis start to appear, in an effort to slow or stop its progression. If your dog is struggling with significant pain, Librela may also be prescribed to make your dog more comfortable. The expertise of your vet will be essential to determine which medication, or a combination of the two, makes the most sense.
Can Canine Physical Rehab Enhance the Effects of Adequan?
The simple answer to the question above is yes. Canine physical rehab can absolutely be used along with Adequan to enjoy even better results. The work that Adequan does inside your dog’s joints is important, but it can be amplified by using physical rehab to build strength and stability around those joints and throughout the rest of the body.[4]
A custom plan for canine physical rehabilitation can be the perfect partner to an Adequan prescription. At Austin Canine Rehab, we treat each dog as a unique individual who deserves our full attention. A plan will be crafted for your pet that accurately targets the areas of weakness that are currently leading to problems. Over time, with regular rehab and the benefits of the Adequan injections, it’s possible for your dog to make tremendous progress.
Is My Dog a Candidate for Adequan?
Adequan is often used for senior dogs, but age is only one of a variety of factors that are used to determine if this medication is appropriate. Dogs with a variety of conditions, including hip or elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis, could be good candidates. The process always starts by working with your vet to explore treatment options, so make an appointment soon if you are concerned about your dog’s health.
You are also welcome to contact the team here at Austin Canine Rehab to talk about how we can help your dog maintain or regain mobility. It may be the case that a combination of medication and rehab is the best approach to bring your pet back to health. Let’s get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, Adequan is an injectable medication and needs to be prescribed by a veterinarian.
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Not at all. It is common for senior dogs to see meaningful improvements when using Adequan, especially when the medication is supported by ongoing rehab efforts.
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Yes, many dogs benefit from using both Adequan and Librela, as each medication addresses a different aspect of osteoarthritis.
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Some dogs will start to see improvement after just a few weeks, however that is not always the case. Sometimes, the progress will be slower and more gradual over the course of receiving injections.
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Side effects are uncommon with Adequan. Some dogs will experience mild swelling at the injection site. Talk about potential side effects with your vet before starting treatment.
