ADEQUAN - treatment for disc degeneration

[lilpaws]

A couple months ago in the Nat'l Miniature Dachshund Club bimonthly bulletin I read an article and I want to share with you all what it was about.

There is a new experimental drug called 'Adequan' which is creating miracles in dogs with joint and spinal disease. Adequan (polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan -- PSGAG) is not a painkiller nor an anti-inflammatory medication. Instead of masking the pain or acting as an anti-inflammatory drug, Adequan promotes joint fluid production and joint cartilidge healing. Unfortunately, Adequan is currently only approved for use in horses and not labeled for dogs. So you have to find a vet willing to do the treatment and sign a dozen release forms. Currently, there are no known side effects to Adequan. It is administered intra-muscularly on a semi-weekly to weekly basis. The dose is 5mg of Adeguan per kilogram of body weight. The average treatment consists of 4-6 injections. It is a permanent cure -- it does not have to be repeated -- and it is suppose to bring back full use and mobility.

Anyone with a dachshund suffering from disc disease might want to look into this drug a little further -- if it can restore their movement and vitality again why not give it a try. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[doxielover]

Deborah, thanks for sharing this news. I think about Freddie's back all the time. I will search for more info on 'Adequan', and hopefully Vets will become aware of it.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Susan

[wireweiners]

Adequan has been around for a fairly long time. According to my vet and some other folks I know that have used it, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It depends on the individual and the extent and nature of the injury. Adequan is similar to the oral meds Cosequin, glycoflex, etc. It hasn't been approved for dogs but has been used in horses.

[lurkin' doxie lover]

The regulars on this board always gotta have a comeback -- can't you people just be nice to new people trying to post info!! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/frown.gif

How come if this is something that has been around for a while has it never been mentioned on this board? It's not in the archives and has never been given as a treatment for disc disease.

Lilpaws I think you post some informative stuff http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif and that it is sad that some of the folks on this board always gotta be nasty to you.

[wireweiners]

I wasn't trying to be nasty just add to the information. I first heard about the use of Adequan to treat disc disease when I lived in Iowa about 10 years ago. When Pippin had some problems with discs in his neck I asked my vet about it. That's when he told me that it doesn't always work.

The reason it is not mentioned in the literature as a treatment for disc disease is probably because it has only been approved for use in horses. As far as I know it is not recognized as a treatment for disc disease in dogs. That doesn't mean its not beneficial, however. But its not a miracle cure.

I have used the oral supplements such as cosequine, etc. for Pippin and believe them to be beneficial.



<font color="#00FFFF" font size="1">[This message has been edited by wireweiners (edited August 10, 2000).]</font>

[Mickamack]

I didn't think that wireweiners was being nasty. I think she was just trying to state what info she had heard on that particular product. I also heard the same info on Adequan, I just didn't feel like it was necessary to post the same info twice. I heard that Adequan was sometimes effective and very helpful and sometimes it is not...it all depended on the animal and situation.

[lilpaws]

Lurker thanks for that vote of confidence but I also think that Wireweiners was trying to be constructive with her comment. I believe the purpose of this board is for people to share their thoughts and opinions be them supporting or opposing to the original posters. Hopefully everyone reading the posts learn from what is said be it something they agree or disagree with. I don't always agree with what I read on this board but I do give it thought. And I usually keep my mouth shut and keep my opinion to myself if it contradicts the prevailing point of view - I figure "if you can't say something constructive don't say anything at all" but you know there are some I think who feel the need to voice their opinion no matter the outcome and that is their right. If you or I don't agree we don't have to read what they write. We can just scroll right on over it and go on to the next post. I will agree with you though Lurker that perhaps people shoul try and be gentle with first time posters trying to share info. The more people who feel welcome here - the more people are willing to share and ask questions - the more dynamic the board becomes - the more we all can learn and share. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

All the information I have on Adequan I acquired from the NMDC article so I am going purely on what they shared with the assumption that a reputable group like them would be in the know -- they say it is new and miraculous. Anyone wanting a copy of the article feel free to e-mail me with a snail mail address and I will snail mail you a copy of it. I did take the article and go and chat with my vet about it and he informed me that it is in the process of being released as a canine drug any day and that he had not used it but if I ever needed him too he would be more than willing.

[doxielover]

I didn't take WireWeiners post to be nasty either, but rather, a little cynical, that's all, which is ok!http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif I think she was merely stating what she had heard.

Susan

[wireweiners]

Well gee, I'm a lawyer. Its my job to be cynical. <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm1.gif" border=0>
Didn't mean to sound cynical. Really just answered in a hurry. If one of my pups was having back trouble, I'd try anything that would help. My vet pooh-poohed the cosequin supplements but they really seemed to help. I have known other people that have used accupuncture with success. I have even taken my kids to a veterinary chiropractor. Whatever works!