Adequan

[LilF]

I am posting about my dog JJ with spondylosis. I have made an appointment with my conventional vet to get him started on the Adequan protocol. I brought this up to my holistic vet at his last appointment and she thought it was something we could do. I did not want to wait for his next appointment so asked my conventional vet to do it. He is very responsive and timely unlike the holistic vet who may or may not answer. So has anyone had experience with this and their dogs? I am hoping it will improve his mobility. Was not happy with results from the Ellevet and stopped it. He seemed spaced out with it too. Started giving him collagen from Mercola site and the other day someone said they thought he was walking better. As an aside, just wanted to mention that his appetite was not so good recently. Hand feeding worked for a while but he was leaving his food in his plate. So I gave him something new to try, a gently cooked food I was giving Gabby along with an egg and he is eating like a house on fire again!!! I guess maybe he was bored with the same old food. JJ also gets laser every 3 weeks and not acupuncture since when he had it in February he got depressed and limped more. Previous to that he had done well with it but afraid to try it again after that last one.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Wonderful to hear that JJ is loving his food again. This is super important to help him heal and for living his best life.

Good work Lil!

Yes, Adequan is a wonderful adjunct for arthritic dogs. If the initial ones that you do at the vet helps, you can even do the maintenance injections at home. One of your vets may be able to show you how (if this is something you'd like to do).

The frequency will depend on JJ's individual response.

 

[LilF]

Wonderful to hear that JJ is loving his food again. This is super important to help him heal and for living his best life.

Good work Lil!

Yes, Adequan is a wonderful adjunct for arthritic dogs. If the initial ones that you do at the vet helps, you can even do the maintenance injections at home. One of your vets may be able to show you how (if this is something you'd like to do).

The frequency will depend on JJ's individual response.

Hi Dr. Jeff, Yes, getting him to look forward to his food was a victory for sure. Was happy that he even took a few supplements. So here is the question---you mention maintenance... Is once a month after the initial protocol the standard? My vet mentioned IM injections but I have read that they can also be done SQ. As far as me giving them, I am more squeamish and prefer the vet do it. I always fear him moving and breaking the needle in him or something worse! Yesterday he walked very well, considering, and was SUPER smiley at the park. He was out for at least a half hour and not just standing and staring. He always loves going to the park but not so motivated to walk other places. It is exciting to see holistic actions improve the functionality of a dog. Too many people don't try things and just say "the dog is old" and let the slide downhill go unchecked. Thanks!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Lil-

How often Adequan is given depends (on individual susceptibility to the Adequan). I've had homeopathy patients who only needed a few injections/year to keep them happy and active (which is the bottom line). And some, like Ginny's pups, have done fine on Trixsyn HA.

When homeopathy is not used, I believe it is common to give injections every 4-6 weeks in moderate-severe cases of spondylosis and arthritis.

 

[LilF]

Hi Lil-

How often Adequan is given depends (on individual susceptibility to the Adequan). I've had homeopathy patients who only needed a few injections/year to keep them happy and active (which is the bottom line). And some, like Ginny's pups, have done fine on Trixsyn HA.

When homeopathy is not used, I believe it is common to give injections every 4-6 weeks in moderate-severe cases of spondylosis and arthritis.

Hi Dr. Jeff and thanks for weighing in on JJ's Adequan which he starts tomorrow. We have been using the Trixsyn for over a month and time to order another bottle. It is hard to say how much benefit it is. I did notice an improvement with the collagen though, I started giving him a few weeks ago. That was a more marked positive change. I am seriously considering the homeopathy for both dogs. But how does homeopathy "grow" new cartilage or reverse the damage done to the spine and joints. Maybe it would halt the progress of it but when dog is having visibly stiff and slow gait, how does homeopathy help? Sort of like deciding to eat right after a person finds out they need a joint replacement---isn't it too late? Just my ignorance I'm sure but trying to think outside of my box as I learn more!

 

[GinnyW]

Adequan is a straightforward, no magic, physical replacement for joint fluids - the lubricating stuff that keeps joints feeling good. Oral hyaluronic acid such as TrXisyn and JointFlex acts the same way. On the other hand, homeopathy works in a subtler, energetic way to inform the body as to what it can and should do to return to good function. "How" it works is the subject of literally hundreds of books and generations of study of the influences of the naturally-occurring plants, animals, and minerals all around us. It works alongside other protocols such as good diet and even other forms of physical energy medicine such as laser, PEMF, Assisi, etc. But the power of homeopathy lies in the expertise of the practitioner who applies it - it can be, and often is, misused, wasted and then dismissed as ineffective.
Good nutrition, however, is never wasted, and the regenerative power of the body is supported by proper food. Both collagen and HA can be a real help, and both these are more properly nutritional than energetic. Think of them as the tools, and homeopathy as the instructions, for restoring good function.

 

[LilF]

@GinnyW Hi There.... interesting info!! My holistic vet sent me this, have you heard of it? See end of my post. I have JJ on the Trixsyn, he finished one bottle and I just ordered another. Last night I was watching The Truth About Cancer and their episode last night had a segment on homeopathy used in treating cancer. Ok, so I have been slowly "getting there " and would like to try it---makes sense---can't explain why but you made a point in your post that paused me---to paraphrase---the power lies in the practitioner. That has been my moment of pause... Do I seek someone who has, for example, with my dogs, has worked with spondylosis and Protein Losing Enteropathy? Like in the Empower Hour, Dr. Sara had used it on hyperthyroid cat I believe. So she has success treating this with homeopathy... So is this how I would select a practitioner? If anyone wants to go to the truth about cancer site you have to sign up for the Quest for the Cures summit. It was interesting how homeopathy IS used to, dare I say the four letter word beginning with c and ending in e, in other words, kicks cancer to the curb. So, like with human doctors, you want a practitioner in homeopathy in the specialty of your problem--in my case, the dog's imbalance causing the "disease." Does that make sense? Here is the link for the HA. Let me know what you think. It is said on this forum that when you run out of something it is a good time to try something else. BTW, my JJ, what a rockstar---He walked pretty long yesterday, sniffing and sniffing. Someone said "he sure looks like he is enjoying himself" He had one adequan shot and the collagen I feel is helping him to improve his BEAM. Seeing him happy, responding to the fruit of my efforts, made my day. Just because he is 14 or more doesn't mean the downhill detours have to be permanent.

LubriSynHA Equine & Pet - LubriSynHA

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Wow, fantastic about JJ's improved BEAM since the Adequan and collagen!

Wonderful news that a passerby could even notice that JJ was happy and was "overflowing with joy" on his therapeutic sniff walk!!

That's exactly the state of "flow" (balance) that we want to promote for the rest of his genetically-based lifespan.

Getting there takes practice for people. But fortunately it's easy for dogs (and especially cats).

Pets don't have the same (or any) cognitive load that people do. They don't don't of suffer from thoughts of the past and future, or lament current circumstances, the way that people do.

Our dogs can easily have fun, feel joy, and flow, every day.

For example, here's Archie getting into flow (which also helps optimize his immune system (and other physiologic functions) just by giving him a "Happy Meal":

All dogs need is a treat, sniff walk, snuffle mat, new toy, game with you, petting, etc.

Keeping JJ happy will help his homeostasis (balance), healing, and help him feel good for the best quality of life possible!

Awe-some job!! Keep up the good work.?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Also, IMHO this is not correct:

like with human doctors, you want a practitioner in homeopathy in the specialty of your problem--in my case, the dog's imbalance causing the "disease."

The reason you don't want or need a "specialist" is that any well-trained vet homoeopath can accomplish the goal of stimulating natural healing.

Yes, you'd ideally find someone who has successfully treated many similar pups with spondylosis symptoms. However, The best multi-modal and integrative treatment will be from a vet who considers the complete context of JJ's individuality and susceptibility. This changes in every pet.

You probably don't want to base your treatment approach primarily on the opinion of a hyper-focused "reductionistic" (vs. holistic) specialist.

 

[LilF]

Wow, fantastic about JJ's improved BEAM since the Adequan and collagen!

Wonderful news that a passerby could even notice that JJ was happy and was "overflowing with joy" on his therapeutic sniff walk!!

That's exactly the state of "flow" (balance) that we want to promote for the rest of his genetically-based lifespan.

Getting there takes practice for people. But fortunately it's easy for dogs (and especially cats).

Pets don't have the same (or any) cognitive load that people do. They don't don't of suffer from thoughts of the past and future, or lament current circumstances, the way that people do.

Our dogs can easily have fun, feel joy, and flow, every day.

For example, here's Archie getting into flow (which also helps optimize his immune system (and other physiologic functions) just by giving him a "Happy Meal":

All dogs need is a treat, sniff walk, snuffle mat, new toy, game with you, petting, etc.

Keeping JJ happy will help his homeostasis (balance), healing, and help him feel good for the best quality of life possible!

Awe-some job!! Keep up the good work.

 

[GinnyW]

Ahh, the biggest error in homeopathy - in both laymen and practitioners too, often, is - (drum roll!) - THIS for THAT! It's a cautious and circumspect art, and the times when one can reach for a remedy as a knee-jerk reaction are quite few. Yes, they're there, maybe a half-dozen or so that the layman can give and know they've helped. But this is not what a good practitioner will do. For example, if you'll pardon me - a good 25 years or so ago I was introduced to homeopathy. I turned "picky" right away - knew I had to respect this art and its practitioners, and learned how to detect tyros and the incompletely educated. I wanted to make this my life's work - but quickly realized that my life - then! - was no way long enough for me to complete a solid, astute, competent homeopathic education. Yes, I've learned a few things, and have a good grasp of theory, but I humbly bow to the "real" practitioners for both humans and our animals. I only know enough to appreciate them
So, there's really no such thing as a homeopathic "specialist", who deals in just one part of the body. Some - Dr. Ramakrishnan comes to mind - may deal with folks afflicted by a certain malady. But the difference between them and a conventional specialist is that they observe the entire individual, learn everything they can about ALL of their functions, habits, proclivities, fears, loves, compulsions - and only then start searching for an apt remedy to give. These carefully chosen remedies resonate - as if ringing a bell - in the body that only it can hear, and it "sings along" with the characteristics presented by the remedy and uses its particular strengths to heal itself.
Well, enough metaphysics It helps if you have an experienced vet who is also an experienced homeopath. But he doesn't have to be any sort of world authority on spondylosis. Dr. Jeff said it better, in far fewer sentences. Homeopathy is special, in a league of its own.

 

[LilF]

Archie is so exuberant and watching him improved MY BEAM! Never did I realize how critical it is to be patient and allow them to sniff and encourage their happiness as a form of healing. So on our walks, the dogs expect to get treats at certain checkpoints. I have been not giving them trying to cut down on the food and give them a pat on the head instead. But they so look forward to the treats that I started to give them again So right or wrong, the happiness far outweighs the harm (IMO) of them in moderation. I feel like I do want to try the homeopathy now, so I don't kick myself later. See, I am NOT too old to change

 

[GinnyW]

You go, girl! It's an adventure, and they share it with us...

 

[ChristineL]

Archie is so exuberant and watching him improved MY BEAM! Never did I realize how critical it is to be patient and allow them to sniff and encourage their happiness as a form of healing. So on our walks, the dogs expect to get treats at certain checkpoints. I have been not giving them trying to cut down on the food and give them a pat on the head instead. But they so look forward to the treats that I started to give them again So right or wrong, the happiness far outweighs the harm (IMO) of them in moderation. I feel like I do want to try the homeopathy now, so I don't kick myself later. See, I am NOT too old to change

I'm so happy you'll give homeopathy a try!

 

[LilF]

Hi Dr. Jeff and thanks for weighing in on JJ's Adequan which he starts tomorrow. We have been using the Trixsyn for over a month and time to order another bottle. It is hard to say how much benefit it is. I did notice an improvement with the collagen though, I started giving him a few weeks ago. That was a more marked positive change. I am seriously considering the homeopathy for both dogs. But how does homeopathy "grow" new cartilage or reverse the damage done to the spine and joints. Maybe it would halt the progress of it but when dog is having visibly stiff and slow gait, how does homeopathy help? Sort of like deciding to eat right after a person finds out they need a joint replacement---isn't it too late? Just my ignorance I'm sure but trying to think outside of my box as I learn more!

Wow, fantastic about JJ's improved BEAM since the Adequan and collagen!

Wonderful news that a passerby could even notice that JJ was happy and was "overflowing with joy" on his therapeutic sniff walk!!

That's exactly the state of "flow" (balance) that we want to promote for the rest of his genetically-based lifespan.

Getting there takes practice for people. But fortunately it's easy for dogs (and especially cats).

Pets don't have the same (or any) cognitive load that people do. They don't don't of suffer from thoughts of the past and future, or lament current circumstances, the way that people do.

Our dogs can easily have fun, feel joy, and flow, every day.

For example, here's Archie getting into flow (which also helps optimize his immune system (and other physiologic functions) just by giving him a "Happy Meal":

All dogs need is a treat, sniff walk, snuffle mat, new toy, game with you, petting, etc.

Keeping JJ happy will help his homeostasis (balance), healing, and help him feel good for the best quality of life possible!

Awe-some job!! Keep up the good work.?

@Dr. Jeff My JJ with the spondylosis had his second Adequan shot yesterday. Since then he really has left most of his meal in the bowl. I would say he took a few mouthfuls if that .He takes cookies and his thyroid pill in turkey and his collagen. He also was walking about a half hour after his first shot but now after the second shot he really doesn't walk like he did last week where he was sniffing and enjoying himself. Should I pause the adequan. Are there side effects? I thought it was relatively safe. He does not have a spleen would that have any effect? His next shot would be on saturday. I don't know if this is from the adequan. Are there any other dogs that had reduced appetite and reduced desire to go for a walk? I was considering maybe I should pause the shot. He really has not been interested in the food with supplements in them so I backed off on them. But he would feel better if he would only take them. Thanks

 

[GinnyW]

There's nothing in Adequan to cause this; It's as benign as any other supplement. Let's see what happens between now and Saturday; he might just pop out of it.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I agree with Ginny that you should continue the Adequan for now.

Perhaps also see if your vet can also do an exam on Saturday if JJ is not doing better.

Try to get him outside to sniff around even if he doesn't want to go for a walk.

 

[LilF]

@Dr. Jeff JJ is due for his 3rd Adequan shot tomorrow. He seemed to do ok after the first one. After the second one, he did not eat the next day. He ate the following day and did not eat today. He will drink and eat cookies and take his thyroid in a piece of turkey but not eating his meals. I was searching online and some woman wrote about her 13 year old dog who lost his appetite, then by the 4th shot shut down and died. JJ had good bloodwork before the Adequan and the vet did an exam with nothing remarkable. He has never eaten so little. He did not eat 2 of the last 3 days after his last shot on tuesday. He was in to the holistic vet yesterday and she said it was safe and she thought he should continue. However I am not sure. She then said he could lose some weight. I don't know why he isn't eating meals. I don't like wasting food. I prepare a fresh food meal for him. His mental status concerns me too. I put his bowl down and he acts like he doesn't know it or what to do with it. If he starts to pick at the food, he looks up at me or just stops. I did see anorexia as a side effect of adequan All drugs have side effects. He does not seem sick with any vomit or diarrhea. My vet also recommended Prevagen. I wanted to get homeopathy for both dogs but that looks like another "project" to set up. Where do I get the time. I already spend most of my day doing things FOR them, both dogs. Yesterday was all afternoon at the holistic vets for 2 dogs. I don't get to bed till 1AM most nights. Overwhelmed with them both

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Oh jeez, Im so sorry to hear about your overwhelm.

What are the worst aspects of the overwhelm?

 

[GinnyW]

Were it I, and faced with all the scary anecdotes, I might consider switching to an oral HA, which can be dosed without reserve daily. Then, if stuff clears up and appetite returns, perhaps cautiously try one more shot. There is also one more branded version of this injectable compound, plus some generic versions - these are "polysulfated glycosaminoglycans". It might be that another formulation would not cause the reaction.