Vet Meds 2025: Understanding the Difference Between Medical Devices and Drugs in Horses 🐎💉

Whether you own a performance horse or a senior pasture companion, managing joint health is a top concern. From arthritis injections to joint supplements, there’s a wide range of products available. But in 2025, many horse owners are still confused about one important thing: the difference between a drug and a medical device 💊🔧.

As Dr Duncan Houston, I want to clear up the confusion so you can make better, safer choices for your horse—and avoid wasting money or risking harm 🧠🐴.

💉 What Is a Drug?

A drug is a substance that’s approved and regulated by the FDA to treat a specific medical condition. When it comes to joint care, two well-known injectable drugs for horses are:

• Legend® – hyaluronic acid for intravenous (IV) use
• Adequan® – polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) for intramuscular (IM) use

These drugs have been thoroughly tested for safety, efficacy, and appropriate use in horses. They’re labeled for treating arthritis and have defined dosages, routes of administration, and treatment schedules 💊✅.

🧪 What Is a Medical Device?

By contrast, a medical device is not a drug. Devices include a wide range of products like syringes, surgical tools—and even some injectable substances. When a product is labeled a device, it means:

• 🧬 It may be used to assist a medical process (e.g., lubricating joints or tissues)
• 🧪 It’s not intended to alter body function in the same way a drug does
• 📋 It’s often not tested for systemic effects or disease treatment

Examples of Medical Devices Used Off-Label:

• Polyglycan®
• MAP-5®
• Chondroprotec®

These are approved as devices for surgical or reproductive use, not for treating joint disease. They may contain similar ingredients to Legend or Adequan, but that doesn’t mean they are equivalent 💉⚠️.

⚖️ What’s the Risk of Using a Medical Device as a Drug?

Horse owners are sometimes tempted to use these products because:

• 💰 They’re cheaper than FDA-approved drugs
• 🗣️ Others at the barn are using them
• 🏆 A winning competitor mentioned them

But the risks are significant:

1. ❌ No Testing for Joint Use

These products aren’t approved for intra-articular or systemic injection. Their safety and effectiveness in joints is unknown.

2. 💉 No Guarantee of Sterility

If injected into a joint or bloodstream, sterility matters. A non-sterile device product could cause joint infections or abscesses.

3. 🧪 No Dosage Guidelines

Devices may lack the dosing instructions found in drug labels, increasing the risk of underdosing (ineffective) or overdosing (harmful) 💊📉.

4. 🏥 No Manufacturer Support

If your horse has an adverse reaction from off-label use, the company won’t be liable.

5. ⚖️ Legal & Insurance Risks

• Veterinarians risk malpractice claims if a problem arises
• Malpractice insurance may not cover off-label use of medical devices

💬 What Your Veterinarian Should Tell You

If your vet recommends a product that isn’t FDA-approved for joint treatment, ask:

• 📜 Is this a drug or a medical device?
• ⚠️ Is it approved for intra-articular or systemic use?
• 🧪 Has it been tested in horses with arthritis?
• 📈 Are there studies showing it works?

📉 Case Study: The Cost of a Cheap Substitute

A barrel racing horse was injected with a medical device not approved for joint use. Within 48 hours, the horse developed a swollen hock and signs of joint infection. Emergency treatment cost over $3,000—and the horse was out of competition for 6 months 🐎💸.

✅ When to Use FDA-Approved Medications

FDA-approved products should always be the first choice when:

• 🐎 You’re treating arthritis or joint inflammation
• 💉 You’re injecting into the vein, muscle, or joint
• 🧪 You want proven results backed by studies

Yes, they may cost more—but they offer safety, support, and effectiveness 📊💚.

📲 Ask A Vet: Get the Right Advice for Your Horse

Confused about what’s being injected into your horse? Contact AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet app. We’ll help you decode labels, understand what's legal and safe, and avoid unnecessary risks 📱🐴.

✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Gamble on Your Horse’s Joints

In 2025, more products than ever are being marketed for joint health—but not all are created equal. Only drugs approved by the FDA can be trusted to treat joint disease in a proven, reliable way 🧬💊.

Make smart choices for your equine athlete or companion. Use evidence-based medicine, and always know what’s going into your horse’s body 🐎❤️.