Glucosamine Injections for Dogs
Glucosamine is a building block of healthy cartilage and helps many dogs find relief from arthritis pain. Some dog owners prefer the injected form of glucosamine, because it works faster and doesn't require administering a tablet every day. As of 2009, Adequan is the only injected glucosamine available for dogs.
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Type
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Adequan is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, which is one of the varieties of glucosamine.
Benefits
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Adequan inhibits the breakdown of cartilage and stimulates the production of new cartilage to ease arthritis pain.
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Frequency
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Adequan is given as an intramuscular injection, usually twice a week. You can get the injections from your vet and give them to your dog, or you can take him to the vet for the injections.
Time Frame
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Some dog owners have been able to extend the time an Adequan injection lasts up to six months by giving oral glucosamine following the first injection of Adequan.
Side Effects
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Injected glucosamine has few side effects, with the most common being nausea and stinging at the injection site when used by humans. Vets infer dogs can experience similar symptoms. Dogs are at risk of low platelet counts while using injected glucosamine, so frequent blood tests that measure white cell count are important.
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