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Training Articles |
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The Use of Oral Nutritional Dr. Henry De Boer
Question: I am confused about the use of oral nutritional supplements
for my dogs joint health. What is your opinion of these products? Answer:
Working dogs by virtue of their vigorous activity levels tend to tax
joints far more than the average pet dog. Accordingly, the wear and tear
on joint surfaces (cartilage) can be very significant, and ultimately
lead to degenerative joint disease, better known as arthritis.
Arthritis can also develop as a result of a number of genetic and
congenital disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Many of our dogs
are working with some level of arthritis present, as well as
experiencing significant joint changes after being retired from work.
The result of these changes can be manifest with pain, stiffness and a
loss of normal In
recent years we have witnessed a relatively dramatic increase in the use
of oral nutritional supplementation to help manage arthritis. These
oral nutritional supplements have been called chondroprotective agents.
Any discussion about how these agents work or how effective they are has
to be somewhat vague due to the fact that there is not a great deal of
hard scientific information regarding their function or benefit. The
majority of information available regarding how these agents may
function is theoretical. The information concerning their benefits is
predominantly non-scientific testimonials.
Articular cartilage is the surface between joints that provides for
smooth low friction movement between bones. Transmission of mechanical
forces from one bone to another is also accomplished by articular
cartilage.
Arthritis is a disorder of joints that can be characterized by
deterioration of the articular cartilage. Additionally we can see
abnormal bone formation as well as changes to the soft tissue supportive
structures around the joint. In most cases, arthritis in our dogs is
caused by trauma within the joint. This trauma is most commonly the
result of abnormal stresses within the joint due to joint laxity or
instability, or confirmational flaws that lead to excessive wear within
the joint.
Articular cartilage is not a static tissue. it is constantly remodeling
itself to create the healthiest, most efficient and effective joint
possible.
Cartilage consists of cells called chondrocytes which synthesize and
deposit proteins around themselves to give the cartilage its desired
properties. Theoretically, when there are insufficient amounts of the
raw materials necessary for this synthesis, the cartilage will
deteriorate, and arthritis will develop. The
theory behind the use of chondroprotective agents is to provide
increased amounts of those "raw materials" required for cartilage repair
and regeneration. Two of the primary raw materials are glucosamine and
chondroition sulfate. Given
the relative lack of scientific information available about these
products my initial impression was that they were simply another way of
separating dog owners from their money. However, after hearing a number
of testimonials from owners who I felt were capable of evaluating
improvement (or lack of improvement) in a reasonably objective fashion,
I decided to try them. I have been using them now for a number of years,
and while the results hardly constitute anything scientific, there is no
doubt in my mind as to their benefit in dogs with known existing
arthritic changes. Some dogs seem to benefit more than others, but the
best results seem to be in dogs with arthritic changes in highly mobile
joints such as hips, knees, elbows and shoulders. The effect of their
use in low mobility joints appears to be minimal. I have not witnessed
any meaningful side effects from the use of these agents, even when
administered over a number of years. There
are three circumstances in which I typically use chondroprotective
agents. If a dog has radiographic evidence of arthritic change in a
highly mobile joint, I recommend using the product at the dosage
suggested by the manufacturer. It is important to note that in many
cases it will be at least six to eight weeks before any meaningful
change will be noted in the dogs comfort level and movement. I will also
use them subsequent to joint surgery. For example, if a dog tears an
anterior cruciate ligament and requires surgical correction it is
virtually inevitable that arthritis will ultimately develop in that
joint. In this situation I typically recommend approximately one half
the manufacturers suggested dosage. The theory behind the use of the
product in this fashion is to slow the degradation of the joint that is
bound to occur. Thirdly, in dogs that are truly abusive to joints by
virtue of their work or activity levels I use approximately one quarter
of a therapeutic dose. In my opinion it is impossible to prove any
benefit from the administration of these products when they are being
used prophylactically. However, given their apparent effect in known
arthritic cases as well as their lack of any consequential side effect
in the majority of cases, it is difficult to make a case for not using
them in such a fashion. There
are a number of these products available and distinguishing between them
in terms of benefit is even more difficult than finding scientific
evidence documenting their function. Some products are naturally
occurring, some are pharmaceutical grade extractions. Most have other
agents added as well as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. I have
witnessed apparent positive results with a number of products. As time
goes on, more experience is gained, and more research done, we will
probably be able to distinguish between these products more confidently
as well as seeing improvement in the product themselves. In the meantime
we will all have to be comfortable with the anecdotal evidence that
supports their benefit to our dogs. Following his 1973 graduation from Cornell University, Dr. Henry De Boer established Pioneer Valley Veterinary Hospital, based in western Massachusetts, in 1975. His involvement with working dogs dates to the mid 1960's when he began training and handling hunting dogs. In 1984 he became involved with the sport of Schutzhund and has gradually risen to the level of national competitor. Through the years he has worked both in a training and veterinary capacity with a wide variety of working dogs. His knowledge and enthusiasm for working dogs led to the establishment of Working K-9 Veterinary Consultation Services. This service provides veterinary consultations for working canines and is available by phone, fax, or email. Copying
and distributing of this article may be done only with the authors
consent. For information on reprinting this article contact:
Working K-9 Veterinary Consultation Service
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