Choosing the Right Joint Supplement for Your Pet

Could Joint Supplements Be Right For Your Pet?

                Arthritis and other joint problems are common in older pets.  In fact, an estimated 50-60% of dogs and cats over the age of seven have some degree of arthritis, though signs may be subtle.  If your dog or cat has advanced arthritis causing limping and difficulty rising, pain medications may be necessary.  But, if your pet has early or subtle joint pain, supplements may provide relief and protect cartilage from further damage.  Supplements can be used in conjunction with other medications or other forms of therapy.  Supplements are generally safe even for pets with health issues.  Which supplements might be right for your pet?

                Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can help to reduce inflammation and may even ease mild pain.  Specific brands made from wild-caught fish provide the best sources of omega-3s.  EPA and DHA from plant sources such as flaxseed do not provide sufficient amounts for dogs and cats and foods stating they contain EPA and DHA often do not contain high enough levels to be therapeutic.  Do use some caution with fish oil as high doses may affect platelet clumping and prevent blood from clotting.

                Glucosamine supplements are best used in the early stages of arthritis to provide building blocks for cartilage and stimulate growth of new cartilage cells.  Glucosamine may protect or slow progression of arthritis in undamaged joints.  More advanced cases of arthritis where most of the cartilage in the joint is already damaged or worn away will not benefit from glucosamine. There are some brands made specifically for pets that are better absorbed and more effective than generic brands, so ask your veterinarian for recommendation.  Patton Veterinary Hospital’s doctors like the brands Dasuquin and Cosequin made by Nutramaxx. 

                Adequan is polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, a compound that inhibits certain enzymes that break down cartilage.  Adequan is injected either into the muscle or under the skin where it then travels to the synovial fluid within the joints.  Adequan is a safe and effective treatment for arthritis in dogs and is sometimes used off-label to treat arthritis in cats as well.  It may take up to a month to notice an improvement in mobility.

                UC-II is a newer supplement.  UC-II is a form of undenatured collagen (processed without heat) derived from chicken cartilage.  This collagen is thought to contain immune modulators that decrease or inhibit enzymes that break down type II collagen in joints which in turn slows inflammation. Patton Veterinary Hospital will soon offer a brand called Flexadin containing UC-II. 

                Supplements may not work for every patient, especially in cases of advanced arthritis, but, they are relatively safe to use and they may protect joints early in the course of disease and may reduce the amount of pain medication your pet needs. A variety of joint supplements exist, so ask our veterinarians about which may benefit your pet if he or she is showing signs of arthritis. 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

Sources:

http://www.vetoquinolusa.com/content

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/joint-supplements-dogs-helpful-vs-hype