Acetyl-D-Glucosamine for Veterinary Use
by Barbara Forney, VMD
Basic Information
Acetyl-D-Glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide. It is chemically related to glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. These naturally occurring amino monosaccharides are found in cartilage and connective tissue. Glucosamine commonly is used to treat osteoarthritis in both humans and animals and there is an ever-increasing body of scientific evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory properties. Acetyl-D-Glucosamine has been studied in vitro to a lesser extent but it appears to have promise as a chondroprotective therapy.
Horses
The treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis is an important clinical area in both human and equine sports medicine. There has been extensive research focusing on cartilage protection and the anti-inflammatory properties found in some of the naturally occurring components of cartilage. Hyaluronic acid and polysulfated gylcosaminoglycan (PSGAG) products have been approved for the equine market for many years. These products are thought to protect cartilage by inhibiting enzymes that breakdown cartilage, inhibiting prostaglandin and decreasing inflammation. They also may stimulate the cells that rebuild cartilage and produce joint fluid.
Only one study has been done comparing Acetyl-D-Glucosamine to the FDA-approved PSGAG product, Adequan®. This study was funded by Luitpold, the manufacturer of Adequan and presented at the American Association of Equine Practioners (AAEP) conference in 2004. In this study, Acetyl-D-Glucosamine was found not to be as effective as Adequan at the conventional dose and treatment interval. The author of the study said that while products such as Acetyl-D- Glucosamine are "likely" to have a "positive effect on injured or diseased equine joints," the work has not been done to determine an appropriate dose or treatment regime.
Acetyl-D-Glucosamine Side Effects
Side effects from intramuscular injection are rare. The most-common side-effect is pain at the injection site. No side-effects or adverse reactions were seen in the 2004 study.
Precautions
No side-effects or adverse reactions were seen in the 2004 study.
Drug Interactions
No published information regarding drug interactions has been found in the literature.
Overdose
No published information regarding overdose has been found in the literature.
About the Author
Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com.