Vetdrugs 2.0Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan in synovial fluid and ocular tissues. Veterinary applications include selected equine joint disease and ocular lubrication. Injectable joint products and ophthalmic preparations have distinct intended functions, with molecular weight and formulation influencing their physical and biological properties.
Group
Glycosaminoglycan; synovial and ocular lubricant
Mechanism of Action
Hyaluronate binds water and forms viscoelastic solutions that support lubrication, cushioning and surface hydration. In joints, it supplements synovial-fluid function and may modulate inflammatory-cell, cytokine and matrix-degrading pathways. In ocular preparations, hydration and viscosity improve tear-film persistence and reduce surface friction. The balance of physical and biological effects depends on product characteristics.
Dose Rates
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synovitis - Legend IV | 40 mg/animal | IV | Once | Legend product-specific IV regimen; do not substitute an intra-articular-only hyaluronate preparation. |
| Post-arthroscopy effusion adjunct | 100 mg/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 30 days; Conquer oral gel regimen after osteochondritis-dissecans arthroscopy; not a dose for all oral supplements. |
Indications
- Treatment of selected equine noninfectious synovitis associated with joint inflammation using a corresponding veterinary preparation.
- Adjunctive treatment of selected osteoarthritis-associated synovial inflammation in horses.
- Ocular-surface lubrication in dry-eye disease or tear-film deficiency with an ophthalmic preparation.
- Selected intraocular surgical use as an ophthalmic viscoelastic to maintain space and protect tissues.
Contraindications
- Do not inject through inflamed, contaminated or damaged skin or into an infected joint without appropriate diagnosis.
Interactions
- Mixing intra-articular drugs can increase flare risk; compatibility cannot be assumed.
Adverse effects
- Transient joint heat, swelling or effusion; serious infection is possible after joint entry.
Toxicity
No specific systemic overdose syndrome is established; assess local inflammation and exclude septic arthritis after a severe joint reaction.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legend IV injection 10 mg/mL Use an IV-labelled presentation; other hyaluronate products can be intra-articular-only. | Injection | 10 mg / mL | IV |
| Conquer equine oral gel 10 mg/mL Oral nutritional supplement presentation; not injectable. | Oral Gel | 10 mg / mL | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Use strict asepsis for any joint injection and distinguish sterile joint, IV, oral and ophthalmic formulations.
Intra-articular source doses are product-specific: equine Hylartin-V, Hyvisc or Hyalovet 20 mg; Equron 10 mg; Synacid 50 mg; Legend 20 mg. Canine high-molecular-weight synovitis adjunct: 3-5 mg intra-articularly at weekly intervals. These are intra-articular treatments, not IV or IM doses.
Source oral post-arthroscopy adjunct uses Conquer gel 100 mg daily for 30 days; it is a separate oral product, not oral use of injection.
Storage varies between products; protect from light and do not freeze where specified.