Can chondroprotectors help?
Osteoarthritis is the most frequent health problem in dogs and also in cats of a certain age. 20% of dogs over one year old suffer from joint disorders; more than 95% of cases occur in dogs aged five years or older.
Lameness is the main cause of consultation with the veterinarian of dogs with osteoarthritis, immobility, refusal to take walks, difficulties getting up, persistent lameness, stiffness when waking up and chronic pain are other common signs. It may develop gradually or appear suddenly following minor trauma or excessive exercise.
The pain is due to the loss of thickness and quality of the articular cartilage, it degenerates to produce the practical disappearance of the same, inflammation of the joint capsule and osseous reaction (osteophytes).
Chondroprotectors are food supplements that promote hydration and nutrition of articular cartilage.
The composition of the most common chondroprotectors is Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitnin sulfate.
Glucosamine increases the synthesis of matrix components by chondrocytes. The synergistic action of Chondroitin sulfate and Glucosamine enhances the effect to this chondroprotector.
Hyaluronic Acid contributes to the correct maintenance of synovial fluid, essential to recover joint mobility.
Chondroitin Sulfate is one of the main constituent elements of cartilage, together with proteoglycan, gives cartilage mechanical and elastic properties, contributes to a correct hydration of cartilage.
Vitamin E prevents against the appearance of osteochondral disorders and limits the formation of free radicals associated with arthropathy.
Chondroprotectors, being a natural product present in the body, does not produce adverse effects. It is not a medicine, therefore it is not necessary a prescription nor is it necessarily sold in pharmacies. Unlike other treatments, it can be given for prolonged periods of time without harming the body.
We can administer it both in dogs of breeds with special incidence of hip dysplasia during their growth and in older dogs that already have problems.
Administration in dogs during the growth period can be started from 3 months of age of the animal until the growth period is completed (around 8 to 10 months of age depending on the breed)
There are several chondroprotectors on the market, in Ortocanis we have made a selection of the best chondroprotectors looking for quality and effectiveness of the active ingredients.
Ortocanis technical team
