Joint Care

There are two major joint issues relating to pets mobility; Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis.

Hip Dysplasia, this relates to the abnormal growth of the hips and is thought to be a multi-factorial condition based on several factors;

heredity
nutrition
trauma
exercise

It is important to get your puppy hip scored as soon as you can after birth to try to identify the health of the joints and potential problems going forward through life so measure can be taken now.

Arthritis is a debilitating condition where joints swell causing extreme pain to the pet. This can be exacerbated in a large obese pet as more weight is placed on the joint and placing them under great pressure.

Unfortunately there is no cure for these two severe conditions except pain management and the use of anti-inflammatory. Supplements can also be given for example Glucosamine and Chondroitin have both been shown to promote joint health and support.

Glucosamine is a major building block required to manufacture proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans both of which are required for cartilage formation.

Chondroitin sulphate belongs to the family of complex polysaccharides glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin joins with other proteins to become proteoglycans and form the matrix of connective tissue called cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

Both the supplements benefit the pet that currently has joint issues but can also help the onset of joint issues by ensuring the health of the joint cartilage.

References:

Simpson JW, Anderson RS, Markwell PJ. Clinical Nutrition of the Dog and Cat (Blackwell Scientific Publications)

www.PainClinic.org