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The use of GLUCOSAMINE for Equine Joints.

Dr. Rowan Kilmartin
BVSc MCSc(Animal Chiropractic) Grad.Dip. Animal Chiropractic IVAS certified

ABOUT OSTEOARTHRITIS

What is osteoarthritis?

The bony spurs and cysts from osteoarthritis are seen on Xrays

Osteoarthritis (OA) is essentially a degeneration of the structures of the joint characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Commonly osteoarthritis is just referred to as arthritis and nowdays degenerative joint disease (DJD). With the breakdown of cartilage which the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement of the joints and consequently the whole animal suffers with reduced mobility. There is development of bony spurs and cysts at the margins of the joints which are seen on Xrays.

How does osteoarthritis start?

OA can start from joint trauma or a structural abnormality in the way the joint is moving. For instance seemingly minor problems such as tight fascia from an old wound can influence limb loading in the animal and result in unbalanced loading which over time can initiate DJD. It has been demonstrated recently that dogs which are overweight have a higher probability of having OA.

Finding OA?

If your pet has difficulty getting up, shows lameness or is slow to walk off but later on ‘warms up' then there it is worth enquiring about OA at your next visit. Joints showing OA have different characteristics in their range and quality of movement. Many demonstrate a pathological joint tremor (PJT) which is caused by fatigue of mechanoreceptors (nerve fibres) in the joint capsule. Overall your pet or horse will show a total change in the way the body moves to accommodate weight off the joints that are worrying him/her. This leads to a cascade of secondary musculo-skeletal problems that can be helped and rectified by many treatment modalities offered at Animal Options.

What are some treatments for OA?

The use of NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Metacam or Rimydal is the most common treatment for OA, however it is important to treat your pet with applied structural and functional medicine (SFM) even if you have been using long term NSAIDs. SFM may incorporate acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation (such as myofascial release) low and non force chiropractic, acupuncture (needles) and medical laser. Supportive treatment may involve injections of pentosan polysulfate , the use of chondroprotectives, (glucosamine and chondroitin) and the use of homotoxicology and or homeopathy.

ABOUT GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN

What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are substances that are found naturally in the cartilages of the animal's body. Glucosamine is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage that gives cartilage elasticity and thus resistance to compression. Cartilage in the animal's body is about the only structure without an active blood supply. Cartilage maintains its structure and health by deriving nutrition from the synovial fluid. Consequently it is theorized that the dietry supply of building blocks of cartilage like glucosamine and chondroitin will actively help the cartilage to remain healthy particularly in cases of osteoarthritis

Can Glucosamine and Chondroitin be helpful?

There is some good research based evidence that glucosamine taken orally is a safe and effective treatment in humans based on a dose of 1500mg of glucosamine suphate or hydrochloride per day. There is also a deal of evidence that glucosamine is effective in animals. There is some conjecture about the ability of these molecules to be absorbed across the intestinal wall and thus be available at the cartilage (which doesn't have a blood supply). Some products designed for dogs often have ascorbic acid or manganese which may help aid in the uptake of glucosamine. Canine products may be flavored or fortified with other minerals.

What products can I trust?

Not all glucosamine and chondroitin products are created equal, however. The difference in various products lies in the dosing, carriers, and purity of the ingredients. Products that contain human grade glucosamine and chondroitin are much more likely to be of high quality and in a purer form. However it is not a matter of simply giving your dog a human product. The ratio of glucosamine to chondroitin that the canine requires is different to what is used in human and equine products for that matter. In addition to ingredients, the concentration of actual glucosamine and chondroitin vary from product to product and there are numerous studies pointing out that you may not be getting what you are paying for.

A study conducted in the University of Alberta, Canada found that out of 14 commericially available glucosamine products 13 of them contained less than 82% of the amount stated on the labels, four of them were even less than 50%.( Journal of Rheumatology 2002 29 (11) 2407-2409) In the USA a study conducted at the University of Maryland analysed some 14 glucosamine products and 43 glucosamine - chondroitin products. The actual amount of chondroitin or glucosamine ranged from 0% to 115% of what was actually claimed on the labels.

Clearly you should read the label and products that do not clearly show the ingredients and their respective amounts would be best regarded as questionable. There is no such thing as glucosamine sulfate hydrochloride.

Are there Different Types of Glucosamine?

There are basically three forms of Glucosamine available today. The two in question are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine Sulfate is the preferred form of glucosamine available today due to its ability to easily travel from the animals gut into the joint. This is known as bioavailabilty. Some of the other forms may be less expensive, however there is little or no scientific evidence that they work. Glucosamine hydrochloride also has a beneficial effect in dogs and horses and whereas it provides more glucosamine per unit weight it has been argued that it has less bioavialbilty than the sulfate form.

What ingredients are best for animals?

In older animals demonstrating arthritis or an animal with an arthritic joint it is best to use a combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate such as Small Animal Joint Support Formula 2. This has been demonstrated to be useful in growing pups, particularly large breed fast growing pups that have questionable joints.

In older horses with arthritis or a joint displaying arthritis Equine Joint Support Formula 2 is indicated. In growing animals and competing animals Equine Joint Support Formula 1 is beneficial.

I do not recommend that glucosamine and chondroitin be fed to pregnant or lactating animals or those suffering from some certain diseases. It is also not a good idea to use glucosamine in conjunction with Aspirin or PBZ (Bute) as clotting factors may be affected. If in doubt consult your veterinarian.

Why use Joint Performance products?

The glucosamine sulphate is co-crystallized ensuring stability and bioavailability
The chondroitin sulphate is of low molecular weight which ensures higher bioavailability and resulting bioactivity than other forms of chondroitin sulphate on the market
The Glucosamine sulphate and the chondroitin-4-sulphate are of the highest pharmaceutical standard available internationally and have been assayed for purity.
The products are highly palatable and flavoured with no wasting due to sifting.
The ratios of the ingredients are optimal for the species.

The most expensive product is not always the best. Compare the ingredients between products to ensure that you are getting what you pay for

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