FDA Recall Raises Concerns Over Glass Particles in Dog and Horse Joint Injections

Pet owners and veterinarians are being urged to check their supplies after a nationwide recall involving certain lots of injectable medications used to treat joint problems in dogs and horses.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that American Regent, Inc. is recalling four lots of its Adequan products after testing identified glass fibers in internally retained samples. The recalled medications include Adequan Canine Injection, which is prescribed for dogs, and Adequan i.m. Injection, which is used in horses.

The concern centers on the possibility that microscopic particulate matter could be present in medication intended for intramuscular injection. According to federal health officials, injecting a product containing particles such as glass fibers could potentially cause irritation, swelling, inflammation, pain at the injection site, infection, or an abscess.

The recall involves products distributed across the United States through veterinary practices, wholesalers, distributors, and online pharmacies.

Which Adequan Products Are Involved?

Adequan is a prescription veterinary medication containing polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, commonly known as PSGAG. Adequan Canine is approved for use in dogs with noninfectious degenerative or traumatic joint dysfunction. The horse formulation, Adequan i.m., is used for noninfectious degenerative or traumatic joint dysfunction and related lameness.

The products are supplied as injectable solutions with a concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter.

The recalled presentations include 5 mL multi-dose vials containing 100 mg/mL for Adequan Canine and 5 mL single-dose vials containing 500 mg per 5 mL for Adequan i.m.

The FDA's recall notice identifies four affected lots, consisting of two lots of the canine product and two lots of the equine product. Distribution occurred during different periods depending on the product and lot.

Because recalls apply to specific lot numbers and expiration information, pet owners should not assume that every Adequan vial or package is affected. Instead, owners should compare the product they have with the lot information provided in the official FDA recall notice.

Why Can Glass Fibers Be Dangerous?

Injectable medications are designed to be administered directly into tissue. Unlike products that are swallowed, an injectable drug bypasses some of the body's normal protective barriers.

If a particulate such as a glass fiber is injected into muscle tissue, it can potentially cause a localized inflammatory response. Possible complications include soreness, swelling, irritation, infection, and the development of an abscess.

This does not mean that every animal exposed to a recalled product will develop a serious complication. However, the presence of foreign particles in an injectable medication is a significant quality concern, which is why affected lots are being removed from the market.

Pet owners should therefore avoid making decisions based solely on whether a vial looks normal. A medication can appear clear and colorless while still being subject to a lot-specific recall.

What Should Pet Owners Do?

Anyone who has Adequan at home should check the vial, packaging, and lot information against the FDA's official recall information.

If the product is part of an affected lot, owners should stop using it and contact their veterinarian or the dispensing pharmacy for guidance. Veterinary professionals can help determine whether another treatment is appropriate and whether an animal that has already received the medication requires monitoring.

Pet owners should also avoid discarding prescription medication in a way that could allow children, pets, or wildlife to access it. The veterinarian, pharmacy, or manufacturer can provide instructions for appropriate disposal or return.

If a dog or horse develops unusual swelling, pain, inflammation, or other concerning symptoms after receiving an injection, the owner should contact a veterinarian promptly.

Another Pet Product Recall Involves Vitamin D

The Adequan recall is not the only recent FDA-listed animal product recall attracting attention.

In June 2026, Revival Animal Health expanded a recall involving Breeder's Edge and Shelter's Choice milk replacers because of variable levels of vitamin D. The expanded recall included canine milk replacers as well as certain goat milk products.

The FDA reported that some affected products contained either low or elevated amounts of vitamin D. Two complaints involving rickets had been reported in connection with the recalled canine products.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, but excessive amounts can be dangerous. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, the body does not rapidly eliminate excess quantities. Very high exposure can contribute to serious health problems, including damage to the kidneys.

The FDA says signs of vitamin D toxicity in dogs can include vomiting, reduced appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, weakness, lethargy, and weight loss. Puppies exposed to inadequate vitamin D over time can also develop bone abnormalities associated with rickets.

The June recall was an expansion of an earlier April 2026 recall involving certain Breeder's Edge Foster Care Canine and Shelter's Choice Canine milk replacers.

Why Checking Pet Product Recalls Matters

Pet medications and nutritional products can play an important role in managing chronic conditions, supporting growing animals, and maintaining quality of life. However, recalls demonstrate why owners should periodically check official safety notices rather than relying only on product appearance or previous experience.

Veterinary medications are regulated products, and recalls may be initiated when manufacturers identify potential quality problems through testing or investigations.

The FDA maintains information on animal drug, pet food, and other veterinary product recalls. Owners can use these resources to determine whether a particular product, lot number, or package is affected.

It is particularly important to keep the original packaging when possible. Lot numbers, expiration dates, product names, and other identifying information can help veterinarians and manufacturers determine whether an animal was exposed to a recalled product.

What This Means for Pet Owners

The Adequan recall is a reminder that even established veterinary products can occasionally be affected by manufacturing or quality-control concerns.

For owners of dogs or horses receiving injectable joint medications, the most practical step is to check whether their supply matches the recalled lots. Owners should not stop an important treatment without speaking with a veterinarian unless the product is specifically identified as recalled and continued use could pose a risk.

The same principle applies to recalled nutritional products. If a pet has consumed a recalled product and is showing possible symptoms, veterinary advice should be sought promptly.

Pet owners should also remember that recalls can be updated. New lots or products may sometimes be added as investigations continue, making official FDA notices an important source for the latest information.

Sources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, veterinary product recall and safety information.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not veterinary or medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illness or injury in an animal. Product recalls, affected lot numbers, distribution information, and safety recommendations can change as investigations develop. Pet owners should consult a licensed veterinarian regarding any animal that may have received a recalled product or is experiencing concerning symptoms.