Osteoarthritis - How it affects your dogs and cats.
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(Available via VetShopOnline Newsletter Subscription)
Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a painful condition that not only occurs in humans but also in cats and dogs. Fortunately though, there are safe, natural and effective supplements now available for the treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in cat and dogs.
Recent US and European studies have once again proven that Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements have shown very positive results in both humans and animals suffering from arthritic joint pain. Degenerative Joint Disease refers to damage to the joint cartilage and adjacent bone caused by abnormal stresses on the joints. These stresses are due to an abnormality in the joint which may be inherited such as Hip Dysplasia, or caused by trauma such as an accident, though most DJD is caused by years of wear and tear on hard-working joints.
DJD is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by cartilage damage, proliferation of new bone, and thickening of the joint capsule. The signs of DJD in dogs are pain, stiffness, reluctance to exercise or to perform normal actions such as jumping into the car. Cold and/or damp weather condition may appear to make the symptoms worse. Lameness may be intermittent, aggravated by exercise or may disappear as the dog 'warms up'.
Joints are made up of a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid (joint fluid), a synovial membrane and 
cartilage. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber and a smooth gliding surface for bones within the joint. The synovial fluid acts as both a lubricant and a source of nutrition for the cartilage. Cartilage is a matrix made up of collagen, hyaluronic acid (a component of synovial fluid), and glycosaminoglycans.
In an affected joint, the synovial membrane thickens, weakens and leaks blood into the joint fluid. The synovial fluid loses viscosity, the ability to absorb nutrients and remove waste. Inflammatory cells increase in the fluid, causing damage to the cartilage. The cartilage becomes inflamed and slowly eroded. Chemicals build up in the fluid causing pain and add to the deterioration of the cartilage and synovial membrane.
Joint supplements contain a variety of ingredients known to be anti-inflammatory, reduce pain, stimulate healthy joint fluid production and protect the joint from further damage. Glucosamine is responsible for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within the joint. It is one of the major building blocks of cartilage. Chondroitin, while being one of the major gylcosaminoglycans, also acts to inhibit degradative enzymes that promote the breakdown of cartilage. Green lipped mussel is an edible shellfish found in the waters of New Zealand. It contains very high levels of glucosamine, glycosaminoglycans and omega 3 fatty acid which has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Vitamin C is often added to joint supplements to help with inflammation and with the uptake of nutrients. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and plays an imperative role easing pain by eradicating free radicals from chemicals released by the immune system. MSM – or Methylsulfonylmethane is a bio available source of sulfur necessary for the production of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are the building blocks of cartilage as well as formation of glutathione, which functions as one of our body's best natural antioxidants. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed joints.
The effects and visible improvements of joint supplements to the dog’s health usually takes a couple of weeks to show up, but then symptoms usually continue to improve for up to 6 to 8 weeks. Once the supplement has been administered for this initial period the dosage can often be reduced to a maintenance dose. These natural joint supplements can be given along with the anti-inflammatory pain killing medications such as Rimadyl, Metacam or Deramaxx, and often will result in a reduction of the dose required to control pain and are safe to be administered long term.
VetShopOnline has a variety of natural joint supplements such as Sasha’s Blend powder 
, Sasha’s Blend Capsules , Glucosamine tablets and Joint Guard powder for dogs.
Cats also suffer from DJD however the incidence appears to be less than in dogs. Many cats with DJD are overweight so weight management must be addressed. In fact, it is one of the most important thing a cat owner can do to help relieve the symptoms. The use of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in cats can cause a number of problems, so these medications are less commonly prescribed then they may be in dogs. Treatment involves supportive measures such as weight control, increasing the amount of exercise, providing a warm environment and a good sleeping area, massage and physical therapy. Modify your cats environment so that it is easier for them to get to their feed and water bowl, the litter tray and other favorite areas where they like to hang out. Consider ramps as stairs are often a problem for arthritic pets. Glucosamine and chondroitin are now being formulated in supplements especially for cats. We are looking at adding effective supplements for cats to our site very soon.
Dr Mark P, BVsc. December 08