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Adequan® Canine: Treating canine OA to help keep dogs moving

Available by prescription, Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved drug proven to proactively treat the disease of canine osteoarthritis (OA), the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs.1,2

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Fast Facts

Canine OA is a progressive disease caused by deterioration of joint cartilage, surrounding tissue and fluid.1


Any Dog, Any Age

1 in 5 dogs over 1 year old may be affected by osteoarthritis.3

Some of the most popular dog breeds – Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and golden retrievers – are among the most likely to suffer from canine OA.4

Keep Dogs Moving

Adequan® Canine inhibits cartilage loss in a dog’s synovial joints and may help to:2

  • Restore joint lubrication
  • Relieve inflammation
  • Renew the building blocks of healthy cartilage

Treat the Disease

Adequan® Canine is different from a supplement or a pain reliever; it treats the disease and not just the signs of canine OA.1

Unlike glucosamine & chondroitin supplements, Adequan® Canine is approved by the FDA.

The specific mechanism of action of Adequan® in canine joints is not known.1

See how Adequan® Canine works differently to treat the disease of canine osteoarthritis.

Adequan Canine lifetime of mobility chart
Canine OA Defined Arrow Up Importance of Early OA Diagnosis Arrow Up
Since osteoarthritis (OA) gets worse over time, it sneaks up on many dog owners. Signs of the disease are easily dismissed as a dog being tired after play or simply getting older, so pet owners may inadvertently wait to seek help until their dog’s symptoms are serious and debilitating.
Ideally, OA will be diagnosed as soon as possible in younger dogs so management and treatment can begin to help slow down the disease’s effects as dogs age. If dog owners see their dog showing any of these early signs of OA,3 it’s best for a veterinarian to examine the dog to help determine if OA is to blame:
  • Acts more anxious, restless or irritable
  • Struggles to get comfortable and frequently changes positions
  • Slower to get up or sit down
  • Shifts weight from side to side or front to back while standing
  • Shows less interest in playing
  • Hesitates before doing normal activities like walking, sitting or climbing stairs
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Proven Products versus Supplements Arrow Up DMOAD: A One-of-a-Kind Treatment Arrow Up
Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) are a class of drugs that act on the tissues involved in osteoarthritis (OA) to prevent the progression of structural changes and, therefore, improve symptoms.5 Adequan® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved DMOAD. It treats the disease of canine osteoarthritis (OA), rather than just the signs.1 Adequan® Canine is different from a supplement or a pain reliever because, as a DMOAD, it not only provides fast relief* but also has been proven to help inhibit cartilage loss in a dog’s synovial joints and may help to:1
  • Restore joint lubrication
  • Relieve inflammation
  • Renew the building blocks of healthy cartilage. Once cartilage wears away completely, it can’t be restored, so it’s important to help maintain its use.
The specific mechanism of action of Adequan® in canine joints is not known.1 HOW ADEQUAN® CANINE WORKS



Why does a DMOAD stand alone? Oral joint supplements are readily available, but the science behind them is largely unproven and they are not regulated by the FDA. In fact, the FDA states supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are FDA-approved and can play a part in helping to manage the pain associated with canine osteoarthritis (OA). *Once Adequan® Canine is injected, it enters the bloodstream, crosses the synovial membrane into the synovial fluid, and enters the articular cartilage by diffusion. It begins to reach joint synovial fluid within two hours and detectable levels are maintained in the synovial fluid and articular cartilage for up to three days (72 hours).

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Adequan® Canine brand of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)
INDICATIONS Adequan® Canine is recommended for intramuscular injection for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Adequan® Canine should not be used in dogs who are hypersensitive to PSGAG or who have a known or suspected bleeding disorder. It should be used with caution in dogs with renal or hepatic impairment. Adverse reactions in clinical studies (transient pain at injection site, transient diarrhea, and abnormal bleeding) were mild and self-limiting. In post approval experience, death has been reported in some cases; vomiting, anorexia, depression/lethargy and diarrhea have also been reported. The safe use of PSGAG in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For additional safety information, please see Full Prescribing Information.
1. Adequan® Canine Package Insert, Rev 9/2021.
2. 2016 NAVC Proceedings, Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats: Novel Therapeutic Advances, M Epstein, DVM, DABVP C/F, CVPP; K Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR.
3. Clinician’s Brief, Aug 2013, Canine OA, DA Canapp, DVM, CCRT, CVA, DACVSMR.
4. Mele E. Epidemiology of Osteoarthritis. Vet Focus, 2007.
5. Ghouri A, Conaghan PG. Update on novel pharmacological therapies for osteoarthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis.; Published 2019 Jul 23. DOI:10.1177/1759720X19864492.

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