How do I Compare Canine & Equine Adequan?

Joints of dogs and horses possess similar structures and share similar diseases, injuries and disorders, which Adequan helps treat. The bones have cartilage on the ends which helps prevent them from grinding. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, the cartilage contains a substance, proteoglycans, which absorbs water to increase the cushion effect of the cartilage.

  1. Adequan

    • Veterinarians prescribe Adequan, the brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, for horses, dogs and other animals, according to Luitepold Animal Health. Canine and equine Adequan dosing varies in amount given, number of injections and injection schedule according to the species and disorder.

    Uses

    • Adequan use for horses and dogs includes noninfectious degenerative joint disease, including arthritis. Adequan uses for dogs also include hip dysplasia. Adequan helps restore the cartilage's ability to absorb fluid, helps prevent cartilage degeneration and decreases inflammation, according to Novartis Animal Health.

    Difference

    • All forms of Adequan contain the active ingredient PSGAG, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Veterinarians prescribe Adequan for intramuscular (into the muscle) injections for dogs and horses or intra-articular (into the joint) injections for horses. Both the canine and equine intramuscular solutions contain 10 percent of PSGAG. The equine intra-articular form contains 25 percent of PSGAG.