A major aspect of concern while raising a horse is the health of its joints. This impacts the performance and even the overall health of the animal. Adequan and legend are two therapies for horses that essentially prevent and heal inflammation in the joints. However, they are not interchangeable medications and have several differences between them.
Adequan vs Legend
The main difference between Adequan and Legend is that Adequan is the brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan that is injected into the muscles and is used up by the cartilage matrix that makes up a joint whereas Legend is the brand name for Hyaluronic Acid that is injected into the veins and is used up by synovial cells present around a joint capsule.
Adequan is generally the first choice of medicine for joint health. It affects the compression capabilities as well as the Hyaluronic Acid concentration of a joint. In doing so, the condition of the articular cartilage improves. This results in long-term health benefits. The treatment must be administered by a veterinarian but is relatively affordable.
Meanwhile, Legend works on the synovial cells that are responsible for the production of a specific fluid that aids joint structure. The medication improves the condition of the synovial cells, leading to better quality fluid and a reduction in inflammatory mediators. In doing so, the inflammation in joints is drastically decreased. However, the cost of this medicine is more expensive.
Comparison Table Between Adequan and Legend
| Parameters of Comparison | Adequan | Legend |
| Constituent | Its primary constituent is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. | Its primary constituent is Hyaluronic Acid. |
| Affect | It affects the cartilage matrix of a joint. | It affects the synovial cells around a joint capsule. |
| Loading Dose | The loading dose is given every four days for a span of 28 days, seven times in total. | The loading dose is given once a week for a total of four weeks. |
| Administration | It is injected into the muscles. | It is injected into the veins. |
| Results | The results are noticeable within a few days. | The results are noticeable within one or two weeks. |
| Cost | It is on the cheaper end. | It is more expensive. |
What is Adequan?
Adequan is an injectable medication that is generally used on horses. Sometimes, veterinarians even use it on dogs. Its aim is to manage the range of motion that gets lowered due to conditions such as arthritis. For this, it mainly works on the cartilage matrix of the joint. The primary constituent of Adequan is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan.
Studies have shown that this chemical has the potential of suppressing inflammation caused in the cartilage. It is known to be relatively safer than other medications. However, there is a risk of bleeding when given to animals. Other side effects include joint pain, lameness, swelling and even infection.
The administration of the drug involves a series of injections that are given to the muscles. This is done every four days for a span of 28 days. The loading dose is given throughout seven treatments. When this ends, the injection is given twice every month. The results are generally noticeable within a few days.
The cost of this medication is more affordable than several other treatments. However, the cost of getting it done by a veterinarian makes it heavy on the pockets. Despite the risks involved, Adequan is known to be the first choice of medication for joint health.
What is Legend?
Legend is another medication for joint health given to horses. However, it is not interchangeable with Adequan. Instead of the cartilage matrix, Legend works on synovial cells that are present around a joint capsule. It improves the quality of fluid production by these cells, which results in reduced inflammation. The primary constituent of the medication is Hyaluronic Acid.
Even though Legend is FDA approved, it has its risks. Common side effects of this medication include fever, lethargy, and even occasional depression. However, there may even be unknown side effects that can affect the health of the animal adversely.
Regardless, the Legend is given through a series of injections into the veins. This must be done starting with a loading dose of one injection weekly, for four weeks. After that, it is given to a horse on a monthly basis. The results are generally noticeable within a week or two.
Even though this medication is not the first choice of treatment, its cost is relatively expensive as compared to others. Moreover, veterinarian costs add up to the price, making it even more burdensome. One vile of this medication costs double than that of Adequan. Regardless, it is very popular for horses that are involved in sports.
Main Differences Between Adequan and Legend
- The primary constituent of Adequan is polysulfated glycosaminoglycan whereas that of Legend is Hyaluronic Acid.
- Adequan affects the cartilage matrix of a joint whereas Legend affects the synovial cells around a joint capsule.
- The loading dose for Adequan is given every four days for a span of 28 days, seven times in total whereas that of Legend is given once a week for a total of four weeks.
- Adequan is injected into the muscles whereas Legend is injected into the veins.
- The results of Adequan are noticeable within a few days whereas that of Legend are noticeable within one or two weeks.
- Adequan is on the cheaper end whereas Legend is more expensive.
Conclusion
Adequan and Legend are two medications that affect the joint health of horses, especially those involved in sports. They have several differences between them, from composition to administration. Firstly, the primary ingredients of Adequan and Legend are different, which makes them affect different parts of the joint.
Moreover, while Adequan is given through the muscles, Legend is given through the veins. Adequan shows its results in just a few days whereas, for Legend, the results are seen much later in about a week or two. Even though both have their own side effects, Adequan is known to be relatively safer and even cheaper than Legend.
References
- https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00324.x
- https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/evj.13489