The dosage needed may vary according to individual clinical circumstances such as the severity of the condition to be treated, size of animal and clinical response.
The following dosage recommendations are therefore initial guidelines and may need slight alteration in the light of individual response.
An insulin type syringe should be used to measure and administer volumes of less than 1 ml.
Local
Aseptic precautions are important.
Horses
The average initial dose for a large synovial space is 120 mg (3 ml). Smaller spaces will require a correspondingly lesser dose. The intratendinous dose ranges from 80–400 mg (2–10 ml) depending on the size of the tendon.
Dogs
The average initial dosage for a large synovial space is 20 mg (0.5 ml). Smaller spaces will require a correspondingly lesser dosage.
Procedure for intrasynovial injection
The anatomy of the area to be injected should be reviewed in order to ensure that the product is properly placed and that large blood vessels and nerves are avoided. The injection site is located where the synovial cavity is most superficial. The area is prepared for aseptic injection by shaving and disinfection. If there is an excess of synovia and more than 1 ml of the product is to be injected, it is advisable to aspirate a volume of fluid comparable to that which is to be injected. With the needle in place, the aspirating syringe is removed and replaced by a second syringe containing the proper amount of the product to be injected. In some animals, a transient pain or synovial flare may be elicited immediately upon injection and may last for up to two to three days. After injection, the structure may be moved gently a few times to aid mixing of the synovial fluid and the product. The site may be covered with a small sterile dressing.
Following injection, relief from clinical signs may be experienced within 12–24 hours and be sustained for a variable period but averages three to four weeks, with a range of one to more than five weeks. The continued or prolonged use of the product is discouraged.
It is important that treatment of working or racing animals is followed by a period of rest to allow resolution of the clinical condition.
Intramuscular
Horses
The usual intramuscular dose for horses is 200 mg (5 ml).
Dogs and cats
The usual intramuscular dose for dogs and cats is 1–2 mg/kg.
Injections may be repeated in accordance with the severity of the condition and clinical response. Relief from clinical signs is usually sustained for up to three weeks but may range from one to more than four weeks.
For maintenance therapy in chronic conditions, initial doses should be gradually reduced until the smallest effective dose is established.