Nutritional Supplementation for
Pets
There is a normal amount of wear and tear
on the joint cartilage. The various cells and fluids are constantly
being broken down and synthesized. It is important that the
cartilage receive proper nutrition, especially when it is
damaged and inflamed. Chondroprotective agents seek to replenish
the raw materials that are essential for the healing and synthesis
of cartilage, its matrix, and joint fluid. There are various
products, each supplying different nutritients, that are available
to assist in relieving inflammation and helping cartilage
to heal when it is damaged. The following ingredients are
among those most commonly included in chondroprotective nutritional
supplements.
Shark Cartilage
In the laboratory, shark cartilage has been
shown to contain chemicals that inhibit blood vessel formation.
Because arthritis is an inflammatory condition, and inflammation
requires blood vessels, it has been suggested that by inhibiting
the formation of new blood vessels, shark cartilage can benefit
arthritic pets. In studies in people and in dogs, significant
improvement is seen in patients suffering from arthritis.
In one study, 80% of dogs showed improvement when treated
at a dosage of 750 mg/5 kg of body weight for 3 weeks. The
relief from pain and inflammation was theorized to occur as
a result of decreased blood vessel formation; improvement
may also result from a relief from pain due to the large amount
of mucopolysaccharides (GAGS) contained in the shark cartilage,
which can help nourish and heal the joint cartilage. The main
problem with using shark cartilage to treat arthritis is the
large dosage required which is expensive and requires giving
a large number of capsules to the pet each day. Environmentalists
are concerned about the harvesting of sharks to produce the
supplements. Since other supplements work as well if not better
than shark cartilage, and are more affordable, most doctors
do not use shark cartilage for treating dogs and cats with
arthritis.
Bovine Cartilage
In dogs treated with bovine cartilage, good
results were seen in the treatment of degenerative disk disease
and some spinal disorders. Like shark cartilage, bovine cartilage
is high in glycosaminoglycans which can help the body repair
damaged joints. The recommended dose of bovine cartilage is
200 mg/25 pounds of body weight.
Perna
Perna Canaliculus, the green-lipped mussel,
is a shellfish that is a natural source of highly concentrated
glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) including chondroitin, as well as
a number of other nutrients, including complex proteins, amino
acids, nucleic acids, naturally chelated minerals, and an
inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis which makes it effective
as an anti-inflammatory supplement. Perna is inexpensive and
readily accepted by most dogs; the recommended dosage is 300
mg/15 pounds of body weight.
Sea Cucumber
The sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa,) also
known by the names "trepang" and "beche de
mer" are marine animals related to urchins. It is believed
that these organisms inhibit harmful prostaglandins involved
in causing pain and arthritis. They are also rich in nutrients
needed by cartilage including chondroitin and mucopolysaccharides,
and several vitamins and minerals. One popular product supplies
the sea cucumber in a unique "jerky-type" treat
which dogs find quite palatable. Other compounds found in
this product include sea kelp, natural vitamin E, lecithin,
garlic, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine hydrochloride.
Each jerky treat provides 1200 mg of chondroitin. These treats
are perfect for the dog or cat who is hard to medicate. The
jerky treats can also be used in conjunction with other similar
pill supplements, as it is unlikely to overdose a pet on glucosamine
or chondroitin. Many owners will give their dogs their recommended
amounts of daily pills but will also reward the dog with a
jerky treat. For those pets with arthritis I like the idea
of giving them a daily treat that is good for them as is the
case with this jerky product.
Continue
to Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Be sure to visit the Glucosamine Product Guide for a review of commercially available glucosamine products broken down by 9 different categories such as price per month, quality and type. Learn what the best products out there are and what criteria was used to ranked each.
|
