Adequan Canine Side Effects
Adequan is the brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), which is used for the treatment of some types of arthritis in dogs. Adequan is made by Novartis Animal Health, and only comes in an injectable format. PSGAG is though to mimic the fluid found in a dog's joints that is lost with the onset of arthritis.
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Common Side Effects
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According to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication For Your Dog and Cat," the most common side effects are pain and swelling at the injection site, and that Adequan may not improve the arthritis. According to Novartis, there should be noticeable improvement within four weeks of getting injections.
Rare Side Effects
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"The Pill Book Guide to Medication For Your Dog and Cat" also mentions that 2 percent of dogs taking Adequan will experience sudden bleeding problems. Because of this rare side effect, Adequan should never be given to dogs with blood clotting problems such as Von Willebrand disease, or to dogs taking blood clot prevention medication. According to 1-800-Pet-Meds, other reported rare side effects include vomiting, pale gums, seizures, cold limbs, hives, problems breathing, stools that resemble tar or blood in the feces.
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Overdose
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"The Pill Book Guide to Medication For Your Dog and Cat" also notes that in order for Adequan to be lethal, it needs to be given as 225 times the recommended dose. However, high doses can cause minor changes in the kidneys, lymph nodes and liver. For this reason, any dog with liver or kidney problems needs close supervision when on Adequan.
Warning
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Adequan has been known to impair the effectiveness of certain medications, especially drugs that help prevent blood clots. These medications include heparin, warfarin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or Metacalm. Novartis also warns that the medication should never be given to puppies.
Unknown Areas
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Novartis notes that studies have never been performed on pregnant or nursing female dogs, or on stud dogs used in breeding, so it is unknown if Adequan would have side effects such as lower fertility rates or birth defects in the puppies. Although canine arthritis most commonly occurs in older dogs who are past their fertile period, it can also develop in some young dogs with hip dysplasia or an injury.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
