General Drug Information and Indications

Hyaluronic acid injectable for intra-articular treatment of joint inflammation and degenerative joint disease in horses. Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid / HA) injectable. Mechanism: HA is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan component of synovial fluid; intra-articular injection provides viscosupplementation → restores viscoelastic properties; also reduces synovial inflammation via HA receptor (CD44) signaling and free radical scavenging. Molecular weight 500 kDa–730 kDa. Key information Sodium hyaluronate intra-articular injection. Refrigerate. Strict aseptic technique. Single-use. Do not use in infected joints. Equine IA use.

How to Give this Medication

Intra-articular: administer using strict aseptic technique. Clip, prep, and drape site. Aspirate excess joint fluid before injection. Inject 2 mL per joint. Restrict exercise for 24–48 hrs post-injection. IV (Legend, horses): administer IV as directed; infuse slowly over 2–3 min. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

Side Effects

Intra-articular injection: transient post-injection joint effusion, pain, and warmth (chemical synovitis — resolves within 72 hrs). Infection risk with intra-articular injection (aseptic technique critical). IV (Legend): mild transient swelling/phlebitis at injection site.

Precautions

For animals Intra-articular: aseptic technique essential. Post-injection joint rest recommended (24 hrs). Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hrs post-injection. IV (Legend): administer slowly; monitor for reactions. For people handling this medication Administered by veterinary professionals only. No specific human precautions for caregivers beyond normal hygiene.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. IA hyaluronate — overdose managed by veterinary staff.

Hyvisc Inj dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
HYVISC INJ 11MG/ML 2ML11 MG/MLInjectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Joint Disorders in Horses; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)