Adequan® for Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and mobility issues in both dogs and cats. Managing OA usually requires a multimodal approach, combining lifestyle changes, rehabilitation therapies, pain control, and, sometimes, joint injections or advanced treatments. One injectable medication that I often use as part of the plan is Adequan® Canine.

What Is Adequan®?

Adequan® is the brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), a medication derived from cow tracheal cartilage. It’s classified as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD), which means it doesn’t just relieve pain, it also works on the joint itself to help slow disease progression.

• How it works:
  • Stimulates cartilage repair
  • Inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage and joint fluid
  • Reduces inflammation inside the joint

Adequan® in Dogs

Adequan® Canine is FDA-approved for dogs with osteoarthritis.

• Administration: It is given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) or sometimes under the skin (subcutaneous).
• Typical protocol: Twice weekly injections for 4 weeks (a total of 8 doses). After that, it is recommended to repeat the entire series in 6-12 months. Booster injections are no longer recommended by the company.
• Benefits:
  • Improved comfort and mobility
  • Reduced stiffness
  • Possible slowing of OA progression

Adequan® in Cats

While Adequan® is not FDA-approved for cats, veterinarians often use it off-label because cats suffer from osteoarthritis too, and options for safe long-term medications are more limited than in dogs.

• Why it’s useful in cats:
  • Cats are sensitive to many oral pain medications (for example, acetaminophen is toxic, and NSAIDs are very limited).
  • Adequan® provides a safer long-term option since it bypasses the digestive system.
• Administration: Similar injection protocol as in dogs, though dosing is adjusted for body weight.

Many cat owners report seeing subtle but important improvements, like their cat jumping back on furniture, grooming more normally, or being more social, after Adequan® therapy.

Where Adequan® Fits in OA Management

Adequan® is not usually a “standalone” treatment, but rather part of a multimodal plan that may include:

• Weight management
• Controlled exercise and rehabilitation therapy
• NSAIDs (when appropriate and safe)
• Other joint injections (like PRP, Arthramid®, or corticosteroids)
• Electrophysical modalities (laser, shockwave, PEMF)
• Home modifications (ramps, traction mats, elevated food bowls)

Adequan® can be especially valuable in pets where oral pain medications aren’t tolerated, or where we want to support the joint structure directly.

Safety

Adequan® is generally very safe. Side effects are rare and usually mild if they occur (such as temporary injection site soreness). Because it is metabolized differently than oral drugs, it doesn’t carry the same risks for stomach ulcers or kidney/liver strain that NSAIDs do.

Take-Home Message

Adequan® is a proven and valuable tool in the management of osteoarthritis for both dogs and cats. By protecting cartilage, reducing inflammation, and supporting joint health, it helps many pets move more comfortably and maintain their quality of life.

If your dog or cat is slowing down, stiff, or reluctant to move like they used to, Adequan® may be a treatment worth discussing with your veterinarian.