Description
Cartrophen Vet is given by injection to treat degenerative joint disease or arthritis in dogs and is also used in horses.
Uses
It has been found that it provides relief from pain, stiffness and lameness as effectively as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine. Normally a course of 4 injections is given at 5-7 day intervals. The beneficial effects are normally noticed after the second or third injection. The improvement usually continues until after the last injection is given, and then this is usually maintained for a few months after the fourth injection. If some deterioration is noted in future, the course can be repeated, or some vets will give a single injection once per month to help maintain the beneficial effects.
How it works
Cartrophen Vet contains Pentosan Polysulphate Sodium which is a semi-synthetic polymer. It has anti-inflammatory properties which particularly affect the cartilage within synovial joints. Cartrophen modifies the metabolism of the cartilage and the production of the lubricating synovial fluid. Cartrophen influences the underlying disease processes occurring in arthritis, reducing pain and helping regenerate damaged joint components.
Cartrophen is not recommended for young, growing dogs or for pregnant bitches.
This product is not supplied with needles and syringes. These can be purchased separately here
Previously it was recommended that Cartrophen should be stored at fridge temperatures. The manufacturer has now updated the storage information so that cold storage is not required. It is now recommended that Cartrophen is not stored above 25°C and that once the first dose has been used, the remainder is used or discarded within three months. Cartrophen is no longer shipped in a cold pack. Cartrophen will continue to be supplied in old packaging for a while which shows the old storage instructions.