This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Treatments and Medications for Horses » Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx) » Adequan, use in Arthritis »
  Discussion on Adequan as a preventative?
Author Message
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Monday, Oct 20, 2003 - 7:03 pm:

My vet recommended that I put both my seven year old geldings on Adequan if I wanted to "keep my horses forever" neither horse has any known arthritis- both have mild stiffness- nothing severe- and my horses are worked at most twice a week- no jumping- just dressage-light work on sand. My question- is this a treatment that is proven- and is there a difference in the shots vs oral. It is very expensive- and I kind of feel like I just can't justify the expense- and after reading the articles on it-it just doesn't seem proven as a preventative... am I missing something? Has anyone else done this with great results?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003 - 6:20 am:

You read the article correctly Cindy.
DrO
New Member:
Jbr927

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 14, 2006 - 2:04 pm:

I have noticed the date on this post was 2003. My vet has also suggested using Adequan as a preventive and then Legend 72hrs prior to an event. There are 3 horses in questions; all with separate circumstances.

1st: 7 yr tb/pech, discipline is up to training level in eventing. Started having "issues" with behavior last season - very aggressive and resistant in all phases. He did not present any lameness, stiffness or other obvious signs of pain. However, on the recommendation of the Dr. we started the Adequan and gave Legend 72 hrs out. Because we never had radiographs, or a lameness work up there is no way to know if there was degeneration and that is why we experienced great improvement in his performance. We have kept in him on the monthly I.M. injections through the off season. Now that we are starting to leg him up again we are wondering about continuing with giving the Legend 72hrs out too?

2nd: 5 yr tb starting novice this year in eventing. 17hh and very big mover and still physically maturing. This horse has been brought very slowly, never raced and this same regiment is being suggested - as a preventative.

3rd: 3 yr tb/qh 4 months training - W/T/C. Became very reactive to any work involving a downward transition. Rearing, spinning and/or trying to run out. However, never presented any other signs of lameness or pain. As she is a very good minded filly we had the Dr. out. She was extremely resentful upon flexion of lower joints in front. Rearing and trying to get away even with light pressure. We got through that and were able to flex her and she trotted off 3.5/5 on both front. Radiographs were taken and showed that the cartilage between the fetlock joint was thinner than it should be. A 4-6 month lay-up was then suggested with the use of Adequan. She has been on lay-up for 4 months now. Because of some financial changes at that time I did not introduce the Adequan. Two weeks ago the front low joints were flexed and she was quiet and trotted of sound on both limbs. I am going to wait until May and have radiographs taken and see if there has been any change in the joint itself.

OK, now you have the hx on the horses. I made a very long story about a couple questions. Those questions being have there been any new discoveries in the idea(s) of using Adequan as a preventive regarding the 5 year old TB? When the 3 year old goes back to work would in be in her best interest to introduce Adequan? (Of course I am hopeful that the rads will show that eventing will be an option for her...) I trust and respect our veterinarian a great deal. I know from being her assistant for several years that this information regarding the use Adequan as a preventative was presented at the 2004 AAEP CE Conference. However, I was not present and do not know the speaker or how the reference was brought up. It very well could have been a bias study preformed by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals. As some have said to me "it's all about the money". One - this vet is an associate paid by salary not production, two - that's not her style. So, I present this to you, as you have also consistently presented sound advise. (No pun intended)



Thank you in advance for you advice.

J
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 14, 2006 - 7:02 pm:

Taking your questions in order:
1) No
2) Unknown
If I were interested in possible preventive measures I would consider the daily use of the oral joint protective products rather than the sporadic use of injectables but there is no evidence for or against this use either but it is more logical, I think.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC