Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements

(pictured: Arthritis of the hip joint)

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate supplements are fast becoming the most widely used supplements in dogs' diets. The reason is this: Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common health problems seen by veterinarians. And quite unfortunately dog owners and veterinarians rarely notice the early warning signs of arthritis in dogs because these animals have the character to ignore soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in the joints have progressed significantly. Recent widespread availability of nutraceuticals such as GLUCOSAMINE and CHONDROITIN SULFATE have proven to be significant contributors to easing the discomfort of arthritis in dogs. Plus these substances actually promote healing and tissue repair.

GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound composed of a sugar and an amino acid and is involved with the body's production of joint lubricants and shock absorption necessary to maintain healthy cartilage and joint function. It is manufactured in the body in the joint cartilage and is one of the major components involved with the formation of the critical lubricants and shock absorbers necessary to maintain and restore healthy joint performance. Any degeneration or injury to joint cartilage can result in the failure of the joint to produce sufficient cartilage repair and maintenance substances. The net result with time is a wearing down of the joint cartilage to the point where pain and swelling can substantially reduce joint function. This is what is commonly called degenerative joint disease (DJD) and Osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine Sulfate plays a role in other body structures besides joints. It is involved in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone, ligaments, heart valves and in mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. It is created in the production of proteins associated with cellular growth and structure. Test tube and animal studies show glucosamine supplements help increase cartilage production and reduce inflammation. Absence of Glucosamine Sulfate in the diet can result in early aging of cells, loss of cellular function, susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infection, and cell death. Glucosamine Sulfate is one of the building blocks of the basic substance of articular cartilage. Glucosamine Sulfate may also aid in the rebuilding of damaged cartilage...

Glucosamine as a nutritional supplement is extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells. There are three forms of Glucosamine so when purchasing it, look for the Sulfate form because it seems to be absorbed and utilized the best. Because dietary supplements are unregulated, the quality and contents may vary widely. Be sure to choose a product sold by a well established company, and read and understand the product label ingredient list.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE
Research on Chondroitin Sulfate suggests its use may be beneficial in preventing stress injuries to joints as well as aiding in the repair of damaged connective tissue. This substance aids in keeping cartilage tissue from dehydrating and assists in cushioning impact stress. Some studies suggest that supplementation with Chondroitin Sulfate can reduce joint pain significantly. Other studies have shown that combining Chondroitin Sulfate with Glucosamine might improve each substance's beneficial effects, but agreement on this issue in not unanimous. Unlike pain killers which only serve to dull the pain, Chondroitin Sulfate addresses the disease process itself. Chondroitin Sulfate may actually help the body to repair damaged cartilage and help restore joint integrity. It may protect existing cartilage from premature breakdown. Because chondroitin production by the body decreases with age, supplementation with this compound may be especially helpful for older dogs with arthritis.

Comments

[SJ]

Great article. There are a few ultra premium dog foods that contain both GLUCOSAMINE and CHONDROITIN SULFATE. We use Flint River Ranch available from distributors all over the country. Our website is at http://www.bestfood4mypet.com and it links to the Flint River Ranch site.

All FRR products include shipping in the price of their food. My wife is the top dog trainer in the Cleveland, OH area and we have been putting FRR in our own pets bowls for many years with excellent results. Stop by the site for a look. And please feel free to commment.

SJ

[acai]

MonaVie Acai berry is made from 19 of the most health beneficial berries and fruits and it is added with glucosamine and celadrin

Read more on MonaVie Active with Glucosamine and Celadrin

[Maryam]

I have been taking a product called Mona Vie which has the glucosamine and celdrin needed for joints, that helps with aches and pains. I started taking it for myself due to a very bad car accident. I have back problems and have been going to chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management doctors for years. I started drinking this juice and within a week I started to tell a difference, it has now been two months and I feel as good as new.
My dog is diabetic and was getting weak, so I started giving it to him too. Not only is he now extremely active again, but his body has began to produce its own insulin and I no longer have to give him the injections anymore. This product has done so much for me and my dog. My vet is now starting to promote the Mona Vie as well.

[Marilyn Watson]

Mona Vie is terrific for people, but please,
be careful and have your vet keep a watch on your dogs liver function. I don't know about the Acie berry, but grapes, which are part of the Mona Vie blend, are harmful to dogs.

Many people ask if they can feed Acai or MonaVie to their dogs and cats. Mostly, people are looking to help their pets overcome arthritis pain and to extend their lives with great antioxidants.

I have not been able to find veterinary studies on Acai and Pets. If anyone does, please inform me. Acai is consumed by parrots, toucans, macaw, and other exotic birds in the Amazon basin, but what birds eat might not necessarily be good for other animals. Grapes, often a companion ingredient in Acai beverages, are known to cause renal failure in dogs (see VetMedicine article). Citrus fruits, also often blended with Acai, cause stomach upsets. I do use V-8 Light in a natural food mix for my dogs and cats. They are fine!

As excited as we are at the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of Acai, we recommend staying with pet-specific products or a healthy natural diet. Get Informed! Do what is best for your pets and their particular needs at different stages of their lives.

[Julie]

I need the name of a Vet who is promoting Mona Vie for dogs.

[Irene]

I have to admit, I have never given my dog Mona Vie (we are now proud distributors of mona vie) but having read Marilyn's story we may attempt this as well. All of my family are seeing results from Mona Vie from knee joint relief to helping stop the onslaught of pre-diabetes in my husband. You can read all about it on our corporate web site dedicated to reasearch and development for chronic inflammation and other related illness.

Irene
http://www.planetberries.com

[Irene]

Sorry, meant to quote, Maryam in my note. Sorry Marilyn. We are talking to our Vet as well and due to the pain our boxer is going through at age 13 (outer age for this breed) we are going to test to see if there is relief vs the constant needles.

[Irene]

Julie

Our Vet is not promoting. To Marilyns point, our Vet pointed out the concern with Berries in general and thus cannot endorse nor reccomend Mona Vie. I have talked to other pet owners with dog's (in my case) who have been taking Mona Vie personally and are now helping to eliviate their pets pain. Mixed results and NO Vets can endorse this NOR the company Mona Vie which is only promoting this to humans and with the safeguard of getting your own doctors review/approval. You can learn more on our web site if you choose.

http://www.planetberries.com

Irene

[Frankie V]

Hi all,
I've started my 8 yr old German Sheppard on MonaVie last night and will post back progress.. My wife and I have seen great Pain relief from the product, She suffered from major carple tunnel issues that would wake he all night in pain, and I have has constant back and neck pain and in only 2 weeks both problems have subsided for us. I can't say enough about it , but I'm hoping to get some Vet testamonials for animals soon.
Frank

[Courtney]

My dog is suffering from kennel cough, antibiotics arent working. Im going to let my dog sip some of this Monavie! It works for me! Monavie! Monavie!

[Sooty]

Hi from England

Re dogs and arthritis, kennel cough.
Great natural remedy I would
highly recommend is Olive Leaf
Check out www.olivus.com
Also check out
www.ameliakinkade.com
She's a fantastic animal communicator
Get along to one of her workshops. She'll change the
way you relate to your best friends :)

[Susan Graves]

My elderly long haired daschund was already experiencing advanced heartworm disease when I adopted her. After ridding her of the heartworms and six months of prescription meds to keep her living, we discovered MonaVie. Two weeks after starting her on 2 tsp/day she went from being able to only tolerate 5 min of slow walking to a full 30 min vigorous walk. Her vet discovered she had no more lung congestion or squishy sounding heart. It has been a wonder.

[Gordon M]

I would like to hear back from some of you that have used the monavie or other acai products to treat their dogs. I am considering the use of this for my corgi.

From what I have been able to find on the web most of the acai products contain some amount of white and purple grape juice which is not advised for dogs,so I am curious to the outcome for those that are using an acai product.

[jenn]

My dog was just dianosed with an inoperable tumor in her bladder. I was going to start her on the Acai Herbal Supplement which does not contain grapes. Has anyone used this or are there other natural antioxidants that would be helpful?