Good News for Arthritic Dogs

Sharon

* * * * * * * * *
Staff member
PREMO Member
Shellfish diet found to benefit dogs with arthritis
By Steve Connor
09 September 2002

Dogs fed on a shellfish diet have fewer problems with arthritis, according to a study showing that the New Zealand green-lipped mussel can alleviate canine aches and pains.

Scientists have found that powdered extracts of the mussels, when added to a dog's normal food, allow those suffering from osteoarthritis to live more normal lives after six weeks of treatment.

The results, to be presented at the festival this week, show that painful swelling and inflammation improved in four out of five dogs fed on the diet.

The green-lipped mussel was long thought to contain substances that can relieve arthritic symptoms. Maoris who eat them regularly have a low incidence of the disease, but this is the first time the effect has been shown on dogs.

Arthritis affects most dogs over five years of age and can severely hinder their movement. Karyl Hurley, a specialist in animal medicine at the pet food company Waltham, said conventional treatments with anti-inflammatory drugs could cause side-effects such as stomach irritation, anorexia, vomiting and ulcers. "Managing this condition through diet is relatively new and much more holistic than conventional medicines," she said. "Vets and dog owners have embraced this alternative and have been thrilled with the response."

Nobody has identified the active ingredient in New Zealand mussels but scientists suspect it is a fatty acid that counteracts the degradation of cartilage and bone in arthritic joints.

In a study in the United States involving 30 dogs with arthritis, scientists fed half of them with the powdered extract and the other half with a placebo. After six weeks, independent vets scored the relatively ability of the dogs to perform tasks, without knowing which had been fed on the mussel extract.

Dr Hurley said that over half of those taking the treatment showed improvement on a "score" of arthritic symptoms. Nearly 70% showed improvement in a score of joint pain and nearly a quarter were better in terms of swellings.

Dr Hurley said: "We believe that caring for animals through nutrition is sensible and can avoid more invasive or expensive alternatives."
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
I had tried this several years ago with my two elderly canines. It worked wonders for them - they were able to get up and down more easily, and were actually a little frisky at times.
 

cattitude

My Sweetest Boy
so Jazz

what exactly did you feed your pups? I have one who is 13 1/2 and really struggles with his back end.
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
I'll have to find the stuff again. It is a powdered form of the mussels that was formed into pills. It either came from the vet or from a health food store like GNC. The dogs loved them and gobbled them up as treats.

My two seniors had terrible problems with their back ends and the pills really helped them for a couple of years. Unfortunately, we couldn't totally turn back time and had to have them put to sleep because they lost all function in their back legs. But it gave them a couple of more years with us.
 

migtig

aka Mrs. Giant
Believe it or not my dog is allergic to shellfish - would these by [products cause him to suffer an allergic reactions?
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
Originally posted by migtig
Believe it or not my dog is allergic to shellfish - would these by [products cause him to suffer an allergic reactions?

Yes - do NOT use them on your dog if he is allergic to shellfish. Fortunately, mine were not and it helped tremendously.
 

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
Another remedy

I know people who have used glucosamine products for joint pain with fantastic results. It is available for pets, too. One such product made specifically for dogs is Arthrix.
 
Last edited:

2ndAmendment

Just a forgiven sinner
PREMO Member
Sharon gave Bear glucosamine. It really helped him. We used the same stuff you would use for yourself. No sense in paying extra for something when you don't have to.

Remember to get the glucosamine sulfate. The is another variety, I think glucosamine chloride, that is not absorbed by the body, so it doesn't work. It is cheaper though.
 
K

Kizzy

Guest
This information is really good to know. My Lab had trouble getting up from the floor for years. I felt so sorry for him and thought there was nothing I could do for him. The vet didn't seem too concerned; only to say well he IS old. After reading this, I can see he may have suffered needlessly. Now I know!!
 
Top