Veterinary drug recalls can create significant concern among pet owners, and a recent announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prompted such worries. On 31 July, the FDA revealed a nationwide recall of specific lots of Adequan Canine Injection, used for dogs, and Adequan i.m. Injection, intended for horses, after glass fibres were detected in product samples.
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The discovery of glass fibres occurred during routine testing of samples retained by the manufacturer, American Regent, Inc. Ingesting or being injected with particulate matter, such as glass fibres, poses serious health risks for animals. The FDA warned that affected animals might experience various adverse reactions, including local irritation, swelling, inflammation, injection site pain, infections, or abscesses.
Despite the severity of the finding, the FDA reported that, as of the recall announcement, American Regent, Inc. had not received any notifications of adverse events stemming from the recalled lots. The company’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its patients was noted in the FDA’s announcement, emphasizing that the recall is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public health.
Adequan Canine and Adequan i.m. are typically administered as clear solutions for intramuscular injections, prescribed by licensed veterinarians for treating non-infectious degenerative or traumatic joint dysfunction in dogs and horses. Specifically, the lots affected include Adequan Canine lots 3369 and 25011, and Adequan i.m. lots 24416 and 25265P. The former consists of 5mL multi-dose vials at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, while the latter includes single-dose vials of 500 mg/5 mL.
Distribution of the recalled Adequan Canine vials occurred between 22 May 2024 and 14 April 2025, while Adequan i.m. vials were supplied between 8 May 2025 and 22 January 2026. The FDA has strongly advised pet owners to discontinue using these products immediately if they possess them and to consult their veterinarian if their pets have experienced any related health issues.
Veterinarians and wholesalers have been instructed to return any unused products to the manufacturer or to dispose of them safely. This call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance concerning the safety and quality of veterinary medications.
Pet owners concerned about adverse reactions or potential quality issues related to the recall can report their experiences to the FDA by calling 1-888-FDA-VETS or visiting their website.
As awareness of this recall spreads, pet owners and veterinary professionals alike are urged to stay updated and take appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of their animals.