Adequan for joints

[Linda]

Have you heard of Adequan?

I was told about this injectable drug months ago, but not wanting to add to the mix, have not tried it with Sadie. I have heard very good things, just wondering if anyone here has given it to their dog or even heard of it.

Here’s a link: http://www.ehow.com/about_5209592_adequan-use-dogs.html

Sadie is continuing to creak louder and louder – her joints are really bad. It’s not age – she’ll be 4 (God willing) in June. Your thoughts, comments would be welcomed.

Love,

Linda and noisy, but hanging-in Sadie

[admin]

Linda, I have not used or heard of it. what I have just read tells me it is for arthritis. Does Sadie HAVE arthritis? Kahlu had joints that were creaking sometimes, but we came to the conclusion that it was more due to his loose joints  (soft tissue) than arthritis. why would a dog so young have arthritis? Does Sadie seem to be in pain or is it just creaking and bothering you? Just like you said, why add something if you don’t have to:) If it indeed is arthritis I guess it would be worth a shot, if it is not arthritis you give her something she does not need and pouring money down the drain!

Best wishes,

Brigitte

[Vally]

Linda, Bingo tried Cartrophan (which I think is the same) before further lameness and testing confirmed his is rheumatoid arthritis, at which stage the specialist said not to bother to continue with it.  It was the specialist who originally recommended I try it as he said it had good results with most dogs.

Bingo had a course of 4 injections over 4 weeks and the plan was to have one done each month after that.  They weren’t expensive – I think I paid about $30 for the injection and wasn’t charged by the vet – I was expecting to have to pay for a consultation the first time I went but no.

The only reaction he seemed to have to it was he was quieter the next day, which is listed as a side effect. It does apparently have a good safety record. I checked all that before I decided to give it a go.

Lady at work tried it for her dog, but she said it didn’t work.  I would give it a shot (or 4).

<span style=”line-height: 1.428571429;”>Love Vally  & Bingo.</span>

[admin]

Hi Linda

Don’t forget these AIHA drugs are catabolic  – they “eat” muscle, ligaments & tendons which become weak (hence the pot belly, spindly legs etc) & this doesn’t do joints any good at all because all the things that should support them have become atrophied. Brigitte is spot on – does Sadie really have arthritis at such a young age? I suspect it is the drugs making all the surrounding tissues weak & feeble. Just wondering whether you should consider anabolic steroids as they build up muscle etc., but they do have side effects (have a look in the AIHA terms for information). Dr Jean Dodds recommends them as part of the treatment when necessary as they counteract the catabolic effects of the prednisone to some extent. I know Joe’s Dunes had some injections.

You know I am a “Don’t Upset the Applecart” girl – I would personally be very careful about adding anything that is not part of the usual AIHA treatment protocol. I admit I am a worry guts, but this disease has turned me into one. I would certainly run anything  like “Adequan” by Dr Dodds or your specialist before trying it, but you know what a cautious so-and-so I am!

Lots of love to you & Sadie Baby

Sheena, Worzel & Ollie

 

[Linda]

Hi all.  Thanks for the input.  I’m not starting her on this – especially not now with the AIHA.  I just wondered if anyone had used it.

I am not even sure Sadie has arthritis.  Her joints were not great prior to AIHA and now they’re worse.   For the time being, she is on glucosamine and chondroitin.  I take it and I swear it helps.

Sadie is doing well.  Day to day, but TODAY her PCV was again, 46, which is good for her (her pre-AIHA PCV).  We are continuing to wean the prednisone and will do another reduction next week, from 10mg a day, to 7.5mg a day.  Still remaining at the 10mg Atopica a day.  Slow process, but that’s okay.  Regained health is what we strive for, right?!!  I’ll be VERY happy for a healthy pup! Ecstatic!!

I wanted to let you all know too, for some reason after updating the latest and greatest (??) updates to my iPhone and now, today – iPad, I can not write/post to the forum.  The keyboard will not come up.  Computer is still good to go, just not the Apple products.  Go figure.

I can read the posts fine, even updates immediately.  I just can’t post.

I just wanted you ALL to know.  I’ll get it figured out and plan to stop by the Apple store soon.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you all and your pups.   Sending hugs and love to all, Linda

 

[admin]

Hmmm… just tried to post on my iPad Linda. I can’t, as you said the keyboard does not come up. Let me know what they say at the apple store. I don’t use that thing a lot but it would still be good to know.

Take care,

Brigitte

[Vally]

Linda, green lipped mussels, green lipped mussels, green lipped mussels (and gelatin).