Adequan administration?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Amy&TrixieCat

Amy&TrixieCat

Very Active Member
I'm just starting to look into adequan as a possibly option for my senior civvie, Mario's arthritis. He's currently taking Cosequin (he started about 6 weeks ago) which does seem to have helped him quite a bit, but he does have good days and not so good days. I briefly spoke with my vet this afternoon about possibly adding Adequan in (she brought this up as an option). She said we would administer it as a SubQ fluid, but the bits and pieces I've read this evening say that it is administered intramuscularly, so I'm a bit confuse about this aspect of Adequan.

I've read the threads here about managing arthritis pain, and I know at least a few folks have used Adequan with success. Did anyone administer it through SubQs? I'd love to be able to give it at home, but I want to be sure this is the best, most effective route.

Thanks for any and all input!

Amy
 
From what I understand, it is injectable, as our vet was thinking about it for Moonie, but I opted for the more advanced Cosequin---which is Dasuquin, which has helped a lot..saving the adequan for a later date.
 
Thanks Roni! What I'm confused about is "SubQ's" vs "intramuscular" - these are two different deliveries, aren't they? I'm sure I could handle SubQs at home, not so sure about an intramuscular injection, though (unless I'm completely misunderstanding the concept, which is always possible :lol: !). And, of course, I want to be sure that if we use the Adequan, we're using the most effective way possible.

I'll look into the Dasuquin...I assume that doesn't need a script, right?

Thanks again!!

Amy
 
Adequan can be giving under the skin, which is essentially all "sub-Q" means, it does not mean you would give it via a fluid line. It is given in extremely small doses - my 14 lb. Gandalf gets .26cc once every 2 weeks now. Typical administration period is monthly, but it depends on the individual animal. There is a load period, meaning when you start using it the dose is given every few days for a period of time, say 4 weeks before the intervals are extended to once weekly, then once every other week or once monthly, whatever the patient seems to do best at.

The old administration was intramuscularly, but that has been changed. That type of injection means "in to a muscle."
 
Amy:

Same info from me as Vicky. There is a loading dose to start with and then it is given monthly under the skin with a small needle.....although bigger than an insulin syringe size. I'd have to look at Gus's needles but I'd say they are probably 25/26 gauge. It's easy....especially for someone who is used to giving insulin subcutaneously!
 
Our vet told me to use U100 insulin needles, .25 for the dose. We gave only 2 shots and saw an improvement. I hope I will be able to continue (have to ask my vet if it is ok with her anemia).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top