Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan) in 2025 🦴

Adequan® is one of the most widely used injectable therapies to protect joint health and improve mobility in pets. It does more than ease pain—it helps rebuild cartilage, reduce inflammation, and stimulate joint fluid production. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and this 2025 guide explains how Adequan works, how it's used, and what pet owners should know 🐶🐱🐴

🔬 What Are Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycans?

Polysulfated GAGs are the key building blocks of cartilage. They’re part of the joint’s cushion system, attracting water into the cartilage and helping absorb pressure. The main ingredient in Adequan is chondroitin sulfate, sourced from bovine trachea.

But Adequan goes beyond supplying materials. It also:

• 🛡️ Reduces inflammation in the joint
• 🔄 Inhibits enzymes that destroy cartilage
• 💧 Improves joint fluid production for better lubrication
• 🔬 Stimulates cartilage repair directly

💉 How Adequan Is Used

• 📆 Given as an intramuscular (IM) injection
• 💉 Standard course: twice weekly injections for 4 weeks (8 total)
• 🐾 Used in dogs, cats, and horses

In dogs, it’s most often used for osteoarthritis. In cats, it’s used off-label for arthritis or feline idiopathic cystitis (bladder inflammation), though studies are limited. In horses, it’s used for joint support in active or arthritic animals.

📋 Benefits of Adequan

• ✅ Not just pain relief—targets the disease process
• ✅ Can be combined with other joint therapies
• ✅ May reduce need for NSAIDs over time
• ✅ Minimal systemic side effects

⚠️ Side Effects

• 💉 Mild discomfort at the injection site (rare)
• 💩 Diarrhea (1 in 24 dogs in clinical trials)
• 🩸 Mild increase in bleeding tendency (rare—related to its similarity to heparin)

🔄 Drug Interactions

No significant interactions noted. Adequan is often used alongside NSAIDs, omega-3s, glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, and rehab therapy.

It may enhance bleeding tendencies if used in pets on:

• 💊 Clopidogrel (anticoagulant)
• 💊 Other blood thinners or anticoagulants

🚫 Cautions

• ❌ Not studied in pregnant or lactating animals
• ⚠️ Avoid in pets with known bleeding disorders
• ⚠️ Use caution in pets with kidney disease (high-dose studies showed kidney changes)

📲 Ask a Vet If...

• 🩺 Your dog or cat has arthritis and you want a non-oral option
• 💧 Your cat has recurring bladder inflammation (feline idiopathic cystitis)
• 🐴 You’re looking to support your performance horse’s joints

Use the Ask A Vet app to speak with a licensed veterinarian and create a customized joint care plan for your pet 💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Adequan (polysulfated GAG) is a powerful injectable joint protector
• ✔️ Improves cartilage, joint fluid, and reduces inflammation
• ✔️ Used for arthritis in dogs, joint disease in horses, and off-label for feline cystitis
• ✔️ Safe and well-tolerated when used correctly
• 📋 Works best when combined with lifestyle & dietary changes

Adequan is a proactive way to protect your pet’s joints and comfort—helping them move freely and age gracefully 💛

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc