Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is a viscoelastic polymer used in certain equine synovitis products and ocular lubricants. Product molecular weight and formulation influence use.
Group
Glycosaminoglycan; synovial and ocular lubricant
Mechanism of Action
Supports lubrication and viscoelasticity and can modulate synovial inflammatory processes.
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
- Equine synovitis
- Selected intra-articular synovitis treatment
- Ocular surface lubrication with ophthalmic formulations
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.