Adequan Equine Injectable

Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.

Get Your Supplies Ready

1. Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
2. Alcohol swabs
3. Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
4. Sharps container for safe needle disposal

Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)

1. Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
2. Attach needle to syringe
3. Pull in air equal to the dose
4. Insert needle into vial, push air in
5. Draw out the correct dose
6. Tap out air bubbles

Pick the Injection Site

1. Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
2. Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet

Prep the Area

1. Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.

Inject the Medication

1. Hold the syringe like a pencil
2. Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
3. Push the plunger slowly to inject

After the Injection

1. Remove the needle smoothly
2. Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
3. Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat

Safety Tips

1. Never reuse needles
2. Always dispose of used needles properly
3. Ask your vet for help if unsure

Veterinarians most commonly consider Adequan® Equine when a horse exhibits clinical signs of lameness or joint sensitivity associated with osteoarthritis. It is frequently a point of discussion for performance and athletic horses where maintaining musculoskeletal health and structural joint integrity is a primary clinical priority. By addressing the biochemical environment within the joint capsule, your veterinarian can manage the physiological state of the cartilage and synovial fluid.

At a pharmacological level, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan acts as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). Unlike medications that solely manage symptoms, PSGAG acts by inhibiting the proteolytic enzymes that degrade cartilage and synovial fluid. It also stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans and collagen within the joint. This dual activity may be considered in the context of addressing the cycle of cartilage breakdown and supports the production of healthy joint lubricant to help address pain associated with joint friction. Your veterinarian will determine whether Adequan® Equine is appropriate based on your horse's workload, age and a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation.

The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.

Commonly observed effects of Adequan® Equine administration are infrequent, though localized transient pain or swelling at the injection site may occur. Because PSGAG is chemically similar to heparin, it possesses mild anticoagulant properties; consequently, your veterinarian will monitor for any signs of abnormal bleeding or localized hematoma formation. Owners should watch for these signs and contact their veterinarian promptly if any unexpected changes in movement or behavior occur after administration.

This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in horses with known kidney or liver impairment or those with suspected or confirmed bleeding disorders. The safety of Adequan® Equine has not been fully established in breeding stallions or in pregnant and lactating mares. Before starting a protocol, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other supplements and prescriptions your horse is receiving, as it is often part of a multi-modal management approach. Your veterinarian is the right person to provide guidance on the non-specific administration schedule and the necessary long-term monitoring to ensure the management approach remains suitable for your horse's individual health status.