Adequan : Dog threw up 3 times after yesterday's injection.

Question

My old lab had 3 injections of Adequan over 3 months due to cost. When I had the funds, we began (a month post last shot) the 8 load doses. Scooter had shot number 6 yesterday and threw up twice within an hour. This afternoon he threw up again. Otherwise seems fine. Vet had me pick up some 'Puppy mix' he mixes for upset tummy/ diarrhea and give him that tonight. Should I continue with the next two load shots? Also, after the 8 doses, does the animal continue with regular monthly shots or is this it?

StellaBluto · Answer

My dog has been on Adequan for almost a year. She has severe arthritis from major injuries sustained before we adopted her  and is only a 3yr old pit bull. During the loading dose, she vomited several times for two days after every shot. Now, her specialist has her on injections every two weeks and lately, she has more and more severe reactions with each dose. Cerenia used to help control the vomiting, but it’s not now. She’s vomited 12+ times today even on Cerenia, I’m going to have to bring her to the ER vet for fluids. I’m so scared because this medication has been AMAZING for her joints. She hardly limps now! But it just makes her so, so sick for 2 days after each shot. I was hoping it would go away, but it’s not. I think we may have to stop it.

Misfits4Me · Answer

Yes, I give it between the shoulder blades...Under the skin....He rarely notices......Karla

diane493 · Answer

Thanks for answering Karla!  

I finally found a page from Novartis that said vomiting can be a side effect and is self limiting.  I sure love my old dog and was worried this was a serious side effect. 

Do you just lift the skin and inject the Adequan? My dog doesn't even seem to notice when the tech gives him his shot.

Thanks for the time suggestions.  Prior to the load doses, I'd notice Scooter start to limp 3 weeks after his shot.  Hopefully the loading will help this to work for many years.  (My vet charges me $25 a shot)  

We also get laser tx at the same time. 

Diane

Misfits4Me · Answer

Welcome ....Side effects such as vomiting are a side effect, but not serious or very common....Normally, you skip the next dose & go from there....

I assume you are doing the twice a week for 4 weeks? There are no studies stating how much to give after that...It's kinda up to the individual...

One Vet may say once a week and the next may say twice a week and the next, once a month.....

It's usually up to the owners to judge when their dog will need the next dose....

I have a dog that has been on it for a few years.......He gets an injection every 2-3 weeks as needed....I never wait a month as then you have lost the effect of the loading dose.....However, there are many that give it at 5-6 weeks faithfully & it seems to work...Again, each dog is different....

My Vet sells me the liquid Adequan and Syringes....I give the injections myself...This saves a tremendous amount of money!!!!  I buy about 10 doses at a time for around $50.....

Most Vets are willing to do this for their clients......Karla