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2025 Canada Guide: Top 5 Osteoarthritis Disease-Modifying Agents for Dogs — Clinician-Reviewed Options (Adequan, Cartrophen, Legend, Librela, Solensia) — Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

This category covers prescription disease-modifying osteoarthritis (OA) drugs and biologic agents for dogs intended to slow joint degeneration and reduce inflammation. It includes polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (e.g., Adequan Canine), pentosan-type agents (e.g., Cartrophen Vet), hyaluronic acid injectables (represented here by Legend Injectable Solution as an example of the class), and newer regenerative/biologic therapies such as anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies (Librela and Solensia). These products are typically used as part of a multimodal OA management plan alongside NSAIDs, weight management, physical therapy, and joint supplements. In Canada, pet owners and veterinarians increasingly choose these prescription options because they target underlying joint health, can reduce reliance on daily oral medications, and—when combined with rehabilitation—can meaningfully improve mobility and quality of life for aging or arthritic dogs. Key consumer preferences driving demand include evidence of clinical benefit, convenience of dosing, perceived safety compared with long-term NSAID use, and access through licensed veterinarians or authorized clinics.

Quick Menu

1. Best Established PSGAG Therapy

2. Best Pentosan Treatment

3. Best Hyaluronate Option

4. Best Canine Anti-NGF mAb

5. Cat-specific - Not Indicated for Dogs

1
BEST ESTABLISHED PSGAG THERAPY

Adequan Canine

Adequan Canine

Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is a long-established injectable disease-modifying agent that supports cartilage matrix production and joint health, earning its place as a market staple because of decades of clinical use and a broad veterinary familiarity. Compared with newer biologics on this list, Adequan is typically more cost-effective per treatment course and is often chosen as a first-line prescription option for owners seeking a time-tested, clinic-administered therapy rather than higher-cost monthly monoclonal antibodies.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Cartilage support

  • Improves mobility

  • Cartilage support

  • Improves mobility

Review Summary

82%

"Owners commonly report steady, meaningful improvement in mobility and reduced lameness with long‑term use; many note the injection schedule and cost as drawbacks but side effects are uncommon."

  • Veterinary classic

  • Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) injectable formulated for canine joint support.

  • Veterinary classic

  • Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) injectable formulated for canine joint support.

Recreational Enjoyment

Increased Safety & Security

Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is a long-established injectable disease-modifying agent that supports cartilage matrix production and joint health, earning its place as a market staple because of decades of clinical use and a broad veterinary familiarity. Compared with newer biologics on this list, Adequan is typically more cost-effective per treatment course and is often chosen as a first-line prescription option for owners seeking a time-tested, clinic-administered therapy rather than higher-cost monthly monoclonal antibodies.

  • Cartilage support

  • Improves mobility

  • Veterinary classic

  • Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) injectable formulated for canine joint support.

  • Aims to support cartilage matrix health and reduce progression-related joint deterioration.

  • Cartilage support

  • Improves mobility

  • Veterinary classic

  • Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) injectable formulated for canine joint support.

  • Aims to support cartilage matrix health and reduce progression-related joint deterioration.

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$120-260 CAD

2
BEST PENTOSAN TREATMENT

Cartrophen Vet

Cartrophen Vet

Cartrophen Vet (pentosan polysulfate) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and potential disease-modifying effects on canine joints, offering a relatively short injectable course that can reduce clinical signs and slow progression. Financially it often sits between older PSGAGs like Adequan and premium biologics, making it an attractive middle-ground option for practices and owners seeking stronger disease-modifying action than basic chondroprotectants without the higher recurring cost of monthly mAbs.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Joint lubrication

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Joint lubrication

Review Summary

78%

"Generally viewed as an effective injectable for reducing pain and inflammation over a course of treatments, with many dogs improving but some experiencing transient side effects (lethargy, mild GI signs or bruising)."

  • Pentosan power

  • Pentosan polysulfate sodium injectable used to reduce inflammation and support joint function.

  • Pentosan power

  • Pentosan polysulfate sodium injectable used to reduce inflammation and support joint function.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Cartrophen Vet (pentosan polysulfate) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and potential disease-modifying effects on canine joints, offering a relatively short injectable course that can reduce clinical signs and slow progression. Financially it often sits between older PSGAGs like Adequan and premium biologics, making it an attractive middle-ground option for practices and owners seeking stronger disease-modifying action than basic chondroprotectants without the higher recurring cost of monthly mAbs.

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Joint lubrication

  • Pentosan power

  • Pentosan polysulfate sodium injectable used to reduce inflammation and support joint function.

  • Has disease-modifying effects reported to improve synovial fluid and cartilage environment.

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Joint lubrication

  • Pentosan power

  • Pentosan polysulfate sodium injectable used to reduce inflammation and support joint function.

  • Has disease-modifying effects reported to improve synovial fluid and cartilage environment.

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$150-350 CAD

3
BEST HYALURONATE OPTION

Legend Injectable Solution

Legend Injectable Solution

Legend (sodium hyaluronate) provides intra-articular or injectable hyaluronic supplementation to improve joint lubrication and shock absorption, and is valued as an adjunctive, technically simple therapy that can complement systemic agents. Compared with systemic PSGAGs or pentosan products it is often used in targeted joint therapy and can reduce the need for more frequent systemic dosing, offering clinics a lower-cost, procedure-driven option for focal osteoarthritis management.

3.6
★★★☆☆

  • Hyaluronate boost

  • Synovial cushion

  • Hyaluronate boost

  • Synovial cushion

Review Summary

65%

"Perceived as variably effective—some owners report noticeable short‑to‑medium term improvement in joint comfort when used adjunctively, while others see limited benefit; overall tolerated well."

  • Silky glide

  • Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) injectable intended to improve synovial fluid viscosity and lubrication.

  • Silky glide

  • Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) injectable intended to improve synovial fluid viscosity and lubrication.

Recreational Enjoyment

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Legend (sodium hyaluronate) provides intra-articular or injectable hyaluronic supplementation to improve joint lubrication and shock absorption, and is valued as an adjunctive, technically simple therapy that can complement systemic agents. Compared with systemic PSGAGs or pentosan products it is often used in targeted joint therapy and can reduce the need for more frequent systemic dosing, offering clinics a lower-cost, procedure-driven option for focal osteoarthritis management.

  • Hyaluronate boost

  • Synovial cushion

  • Silky glide

  • Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) injectable intended to improve synovial fluid viscosity and lubrication.

  • Used to enhance joint cushioning and may be given intra‑articularly or parenterally depending on formulation and veterinary decision.

  • Hyaluronate boost

  • Synovial cushion

  • Silky glide

  • Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) injectable intended to improve synovial fluid viscosity and lubrication.

  • Used to enhance joint cushioning and may be given intra‑articularly or parenterally depending on formulation and veterinary decision.

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$80-220 CAD

4
BEST CANINE ANTI-NGF MAB

Librela

Librela

Librela (bedinvetmab) is a targeted anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody that delivers rapid, meaningful pain relief with once-monthly subcutaneous dosing, positioning it as a clinical leader for symptomatic control in canine osteoarthritis. Technically more advanced than traditional disease-modifying injectables, Librela commands a premium price but can reduce concurrent analgesic needs and improve quality of life quickly, making it cost-justifiable for patients where fast functional gain is prioritized.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Targets NGF

  • Monthly dosing

  • Targets NGF

  • Monthly dosing

Review Summary

74%

"Most owners praise the monthly monoclonal antibody injection for rapid, meaningful reductions in pain and improved activity in many dogs, with only a minority reporting mild or transient adverse reactions."

  • Nerve whisperer

  • Bedinvetmab monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) specifically approved for canine OA pain relief.

  • Nerve whisperer

  • Bedinvetmab monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) specifically approved for canine OA pain relief.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Librela (bedinvetmab) is a targeted anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody that delivers rapid, meaningful pain relief with once-monthly subcutaneous dosing, positioning it as a clinical leader for symptomatic control in canine osteoarthritis. Technically more advanced than traditional disease-modifying injectables, Librela commands a premium price but can reduce concurrent analgesic needs and improve quality of life quickly, making it cost-justifiable for patients where fast functional gain is prioritized.

  • Targets NGF

  • Monthly dosing

  • Nerve whisperer

  • Bedinvetmab monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) specifically approved for canine OA pain relief.

  • Administered by subcutaneous injection once monthly with a veterinary prescription.

  • Targets NGF

  • Monthly dosing

  • Nerve whisperer

  • Bedinvetmab monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) specifically approved for canine OA pain relief.

  • Administered by subcutaneous injection once monthly with a veterinary prescription.

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$140-220 CAD

5
CAT-SPECIFIC - NOT INDICATED FOR DOGS

Solensia

Solensia

Solensia (frunevetmab) is another anti-NGF monoclonal antibody option that provides monthly targeted analgesia and is considered a market leader for pet owners seeking biologic, non-opioid pain control; it competes directly with other mAbs by differentiating on safety data and administration convenience. Although it represents the higher end of prescription pricing, Solensia’s technical advantage is its mechanism-specific approach that can be used when traditional disease-modifying injectables like Adequan or Cartrophen offer insufficient symptomatic relief.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Anti-NGF therapy

  • Monthly injection

  • Anti-NGF therapy

  • Monthly injection

Review Summary

72%

"Widely reported to provide reliable monthly pain relief and improved mobility for a majority of dogs; adverse events are generally mild (injection‑site reactions, occasional GI upset) and uncommon."

  • Feline-focused

  • Frunevetmab monoclonal antibody approved for reducing osteoarthritis pain in cats, not labeled for canine use.

  • Feline-focused

  • Frunevetmab monoclonal antibody approved for reducing osteoarthritis pain in cats, not labeled for canine use.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Solensia (frunevetmab) is another anti-NGF monoclonal antibody option that provides monthly targeted analgesia and is considered a market leader for pet owners seeking biologic, non-opioid pain control; it competes directly with other mAbs by differentiating on safety data and administration convenience. Although it represents the higher end of prescription pricing, Solensia’s technical advantage is its mechanism-specific approach that can be used when traditional disease-modifying injectables like Adequan or Cartrophen offer insufficient symptomatic relief.

  • Anti-NGF therapy

  • Monthly injection

  • Feline-focused

  • Frunevetmab monoclonal antibody approved for reducing osteoarthritis pain in cats, not labeled for canine use.

  • Given by monthly subcutaneous injection under veterinary supervision for feline OA management.

  • Anti-NGF therapy

  • Monthly injection

  • Feline-focused

  • Frunevetmab monoclonal antibody approved for reducing osteoarthritis pain in cats, not labeled for canine use.

  • Given by monthly subcutaneous injection under veterinary supervision for feline OA management.

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$90-170 CAD

What the Research Says — Beginner-Friendly Evidence Overview

Scientific studies and clinical trials have evaluated disease-modifying approaches for canine OA across several classes of products. While results vary by product and patient population, the body of evidence supports that certain polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, pentosan-type agents, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies can reduce pain and improve mobility when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Veterinarians weigh efficacy data together with safety profiles and practical considerations (cost, dosing schedule, and availability) when recommending a product for an individual dog.

Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (e.g., Adequan Canine) — Randomized controlled trials and clinical reports indicate reduced lameness scores and improved joint function for some dogs, with a favorable safety profile when used as directed.

Pentosan-type polysaccharides (e.g., Cartrophen Vet) — Evidence shows anti-inflammatory effects and potential improvement in cartilage metabolism and pain scores; used widely in veterinary practice with periodic injections.

Hyaluronic acid injections (class example: Legend Injectable Solution) — Intra-articular or peri-articular hyaluronate reduces joint friction and can lower inflammation; studies and clinical experience support short- to medium-term improvements in mobility.

Anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies (Librela, Solensia) — Clinical trials demonstrate clinically meaningful reductions in pain and improved activity in many dogs, with convenient dosing intervals and a mechanism that directly targets pain signaling.

Multimodal context — Systematic reviews and consensus guidelines emphasize combining disease-modifying agents with NSAIDs (when needed), weight management, rehabilitation, and supplements for best outcomes.

Safety and monitoring — Research highlights the importance of veterinary supervision: baseline exams, periodic rechecks, and tailored plans are recommended to monitor response and adverse effects.

In Canada, veterinarians commonly integrate prescription disease-modifying agents with lifestyle and rehabilitative strategies to slow OA progression and improve comfort. The five products highlighted here — Adequan Canine, Cartrophen Vet, Legend Injectable Solution, Librela, and Solensia — represent the main classes available through veterinary prescription. For many patients seeking rapid pain relief with convenient dosing and a favorable safety profile, anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies like Librela and Solensia are frequently recommended; Librela is often chosen in clinics for its demonstrated clinical benefits and practical dosing schedule. That said, Adequan Canine, Cartrophen Vet, and hyaluronic acid options also remain valuable components of multimodal care depending on the dog’s condition and treatment goals. We hope this guide helped you find relevant options — refine or expand your search using the site search or consult your veterinarian to identify the best prescription plan for your dog.

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