Glucosamine and chondroitin can be safely used in addition to other medications and therapies as a part of the treatment approach for the crippling effects of arthritis in cats and dogs. Veterinarians agree that the management of arthritis in both cats and dogs is best served in a multimodal manner, meaning that a combination of pain medications, supplements, acupuncture or physical therapy are used in conjunction. In addition to being used for arthritis management, glucosamine and chondroitin are effective adjunctive treatments for chronic painful conditions in cats, such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
There are many different joints that can be affected by arthritis in cats and dogs, but the hips and knees are most commonly affected. This condition greatly exacerbates the normal wear on the smooth cartilage that protects the bony surface of the joint. When this cartilage wears away there is a bone to bone contact, which creates the pain associated with arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also often used as an adjunctive treatment for spinal disc injuries or post-operatively in cats or dogs that have undergone joint surgery.
Where Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Found?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are normal substances found in the body of living animals, being most concentrated within the cartilage. Unfortunately, through degradation during digestion and processing, almost all of the glucosamine in an animal's diet is unavailable for use. The body, therefore, synthesizes most of its own glucosamine through a biochemical reaction utilizing glucose. In normal healthy animals, the body is able to synthesize enough glucosamine to keep the existing cartilage healthy. However, when an animal ages or if there is damage to joint cartilage, the body cannot produce enough glucosamine to keep up with the body's needs. This is where a supplemental form of glucosamine is needed.
How Do Glucosamine and Chondroitin Work?
Glucosamine works through a very complicated process. In a nutshell, cartilage consists of several different cells, including chondrocytes, which are responsible for synthesizing new cartilage. Through normal wear, cartilage is constantly being broken down and replaced. When an animal develops arthritis, the chondrocytes do not have the building blocks available to them to build enough new cartilage to keep up with the breakdown of the old cartilage. Glucosamine provides the building blocks for the synthesis of new cartilage, including the production of glycosaminoglycans. In conjunction with hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans produce proteoglycans. Both proteoglycans and collagen are the main structures of cartilage.
Chondroitin also is one of the products necessary for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. However, it likely plays a more important role by combating and neutralizing destructive enzymes in joints. There is always a low level of destructive enzymes found in joints, but when an injury or abnormal wear occurs, the destructive enzymes and agents increase the acceleration of cartilage destruction. When chondroitin is added to the diet, it is beneficial in reducing the level of these destructive enzymes.
What Are the Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
There are very few side effects from glucosamine and chondroitin products, but occasionally, a pet may vomit or develop diarrhea. If the dose is reduced or given with food, the symptoms are usually alleviated. It typically takes four to six weeks to see a clinical effect in the reduction of joint degradation. If a positive effect is noted, most veterinarians recommend continuing lifelong treatment, as joint destruction typically resumes if the supplement is discontinued. The dose is often decreased after the initial four to six week period. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are safe for long term use and can be used with most other medications or supplements without complication. However, pet owners should always seek veterinary advice before giving their pet any new medication or supplement.
Why Are There So Many Different Options?
Not all glucosamine and chondroitin products are created equal. As nutraceuticals, these over the counter supplements are not regulated by the FDA since they are not labeled as being drugs. Manufacturers of nutraceuticals are not required to perform efficacy testing or evaluation of their product to verify that the amount of product present meets their claims. For some low quality supplements, this can mean that the supplement contains either far more or considerably less of a product than the label claims. The most expensive product is not necessarily the best.
Pet formulations are available in chewable tablets, flavor chews, or capsules, from which the contents can be emptied onto a pet's food. Popular and veterinarian-approved choices for dogs and cats include Dasuquin and Cosequin. When in doubt, pet owners should discuss the best glucosamine and chondroitin supplement option for their individual pet with a veterinarian.