01/29/2017
Andrea Malatestinic Sorry coming to the party late as usual..... oh Amy Lewis you opened up the door for one of my favourite topics! So for those who do not already know, here's some wordy vet talk and background info first- Adequan Canine as well as Cartrophen Vet (Canada/Europe only) are 2 well known, well researched and very effective systemic chondroprotectants called polysulfated glycosaminoglycans. They improve, regenerate and protect joint cartilage all the way from the surface cartilage and through all it's layers and right down to the underlying subchondral bone. Their use is beneficial not only in diseased states of osteoarthritis and joint trauma/injury, but also as a preventative to maintain joint health. Research shows it's sort of like a joint inflammation seeking missile in that it goes to all joints but higher concentrations are found in more diseased joints. Adequan IM has been used and extensively researched in the equine veterinary industry for decades and so the leap to canine use was a natural progression and is used as an intramuscular/IM injection in both species. Cartrophen Vet, again only available in Canada and Europe, is given as a subcutaneous injection and was the first such systemic chondroprotectant developed for small animal use years before Adequan Canine came on the market, but around the same time Adequan IM Equine did. For both dogs and horses, originally Adequan's treatment protocol was to give 1 injection 1x/wk for 4 wks followed by "booster" injections once every 1 month to 2 months as needed. More recent research has shown that the most effective treatment regime should be 1 injection once every 4 days for 7 injections across 28 days in horses, and in dogs every 4 days for 7-8 injections total. No monthly boosters are needed. And the entire 7-8 injection protocol can be repeated every 6-12 months if so desired. If significant joint disease/issues are present the whole protocol may be repeated sooner every 3-4 months as needed. I personally have seen it's great benefits in my equine patients and it's use is associated with healthier joints, less injuries and longer athletic careers. In dogs I have seen it make lame dogs sound and give older dogs a more comfortable, longer and more active life. Research in young foals using the same 7 injection protocol every 4 days shows far less developmental Orthopedic problems especially OCD. I personally use it or Cartrophen Vet here in Canada on my Bullmastiffs, as a preventative to ensure joint health in my young dogs. Large and fast growing Bully puppies as we all know, have a kamikaze attitude with little regard for their own safety despite our best efforts as owners and breeders. I have had great success with using Adequan/Cartrophen Vet starting at around 5-6 months of age with the protocol mentioned earlier. Then I repeat another treatment regime again around 1 year. Then I may repeat the series again on an as needed a basis through the years. Hope this all helps.
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