Dog Friendly Holiday House Sunshine Coast Queensland

Maintaining Joint Health Of The Senior Pet

Glucosamine is a compound composed of glucose (sugar) and an amine group (a nitrogen and two hydrogen molecules). Glucosamine is manufactured naturally by the body. Its function is to stimulate the cartilage repair in joints and to stimulate the synthesis of substances needed for synovial fluid function. Being a hydrophilic (water-loving) molecule, it soaks up water into the cartilage matrix increasing the elasticity of the cartilage. During the ageing process, a gradual decline in the body's ability to produce glucosamine occurs. This causes cartilage to lose its elasticity and the ability to repair itself. The joint begins to deteriorate and, as a result, the joint area becomes swollen and extremely painful.

Chondroitin sulfate is a long chain of repeating sugar units. Like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is produced naturally in the body and is hydrophilic thereby attracting water into the cartilage matrix. During an animal's growth phase, chondroitin sulfate is naturally present in the body as cartilage in joints is formed however it diminishes in concentration as the body ages. It has been noted that the inability of the animal to produce these compounds may be the leading factor in osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).

In studies conducted as early as 1969, doctors demonstrated that injections of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritic patients resulted in decreased pain and increased joint mobility. Similar studies demonstrated accelerated recovery following surgery and totally restored joint function. The oral administration of these compounds to both humans and animals has been shown to accelerate wound healing and to relieve lower back pain that resulted from various sport injuries.

In a healthy joint, cartilage will cover the bones for frictionless movement. Synovial fluid produced by the body will lubricate and nourish the cartilage and aid in the elimination of waste products from the cartilage. As a dog begins to age, a gradual decline in its bodily systems and functions is noted. A decline in the production of glucosamines and chondroitin sulfate is noted and the animal loses the ability to repair the cartilage in its joints. This causes great distress and pain for the pet. The naturally produced compounds, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, can help maintain healthy joint cartilage in the senior pet.

by Gail Kuhlman, Ph.D., P.A.S.
Diplomate, American College of Animal Nutrition