For several years, we have been fielding questions from clients about the effectiveness of the nutriceuticals (nutritional supplements) glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for treatment of arthritis. A study at Texas A&M is just concluding and the results are very encouraging. Glucosamine in combination with chondroitin has been shown to help dogs with arthritis by increasing the affected joint's range of motion, alleviating pain and maintaining the health of the cartilage and fluid in the joint. The study is particularly important because it supports anecdotal evidence that dogs with arthritis seem to improve when glucosamine is added to their treatment protocol. Glucosamine is the only arthritis treatment that actually treats the damaged joint! All other forms of treatment are aimed at treating the pain associated with arthritis. Some of these pain medications can also damage the joint; glucosamine helps reduce this damage.

The actual mechanism by which glucosamine works is complex, but the end result is that the cartilage within the joint is less brittle and therefore less likely to wear off the end of the bone. The joint fluid is also more viscous so it is a better joint lubricant. Healthier cartilage and a joint that is more effectively 'oiled' translate into increased joint mobility, decreased joint pain and more important, a delay in the degeneration of the joint.

These compounds are most helpful when started early in the degenerative process of the joint, before the cartilage has been significantly damaged. As dogs age and begin getting stiff, these products should be started and continued throughout the dog's life. For mild arthritis and joint pain, this may be all that is needed to keep the joint healthy and the dog comfortable. As the arthritis worsens, actual anti-inflammatory medications (ie Rimadyl, Deramaxx) may be added to help alleviate the pain associated with joint degeneration. Young dogs with known joint disease (ie hip dysplasia, cruciate injuries, joint trauma) also benefit from starting glucosamine early, before the joint is stiff and degenerate.

Generally, these compounds are extremely safe. To date, there have been no adverse reported. In our experience, we've found that they are well tolerated by the dogs that are taking them. We have not seen any nausea or stomach upset. The long-term studies show no adverse effects on the organs of the body.

Because glucosamine is a nutroceutical, there are no FDA regulations concerning its production, quality control or safety. In other words, even if the label lists glucosamine at 500mb/tablet, you cannot be assured that is what you're actually getting. When purchasing glucosamine for your dog, you should choose a product from a company that has a good reputation and one that will substantiate the quality and quantity of its product. We generally recommend Cosequin because it has been manufactured within FDA guidelines. It has also been documented through numerous studies to be safe, effective and well manufactured. Cosequin is available at our office. Other brands can be found in health food stores or stores that carry vitamins.

Adequan is an injectable chondroprotective medication, similar to glucosamine. Although it works the same way as glucosamine, it begins working much faster and is more potent because it is given by injection. Animals with acute injuries, more severe disease or who don't respond to oral glucosamine are good candidates for the Adequan injection series. Most dogs are given Adequan injections weekly for six weeks, then given as needed or are changed to an oral form of glucosamine.