Pet Corner

Joint Health In Pets

By Gary L. Ailes, DVM

In this column, I will discuss one product and why I think it is so worthwhile. The product is Nutri-Joint for Pets. It is very helpful for those animals that are developing or have osteoarthritis. My personal experience with the human version of Nutri-Joint is that it has some mild pain-relieving activity. Based on experience, I think this carries over into our pet population, especially when given in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids.

Glucosamine sulfate is contained in the product at a level of 200 mg for each 1/4 teaspoon. While I do not think it can regenerate a joint devoid of cartilage, it can increase the joint fluid viscosity, which is like oil for your car. The better the viscosity, the slicker the surfaces are and the easier it is for the joint to move. I would base the dose of the product on this ingredient and give a half of a teaspoon to the average 20 to 40 pound dog. Above that to 90 pounds I would give a teaspoon a day and above that would be 1 1/2 teaspoons daily.

Collagen type II, also contained in Nutri-Joint for Pets, is a low molecular weight collagen that is more easily absorbed through the intestinal tract. It is helpful in maintaining the normal structure of joint fluid, tendons and ligaments.

Another ingredient in the product, MSM or methylsulfonylmethane, is valuable as a source of sulfur for amino acids. For those animals that are deficient, this is very helpful in normal joint movement.

Chondroitin sulfate is another extract of cartilage found in Nutri-Joint for Pets that is supportive of joint fluid and cartilage stability. While both glucosamine and chondroitin have proponents towards giving one or the other, it seems like I get better response when both are included in the product I am giving to my pets.

Other ingredients in Nutri-Joint for Pets include:

• Boswellia serrata extract, which was known as Frankincense in times past, has been used for hundreds of years to support joint health. For those who care to research, the Indian Journal of Pharmacology has an article comparing the efficacy of boswellia to valdecoxib, a cox-2 inhibitor. (Open, randomized, controlled clinical trial of Boswellia serrata extract as compared to valdecoxib in osteoarthritis of knee. Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2007;39(1) 27-29.)

• Vitamin C is a synergist to the above ingredients. There are some who believe much higher doses of Vitamin C can relieve some of the pain.

• Hyaluronic acid is a component of joint fluid and the cartilage matrix. In its pure form, it has been used for a number of years to inject into the joints of horses. As time passes and it is finding uses in other areas and in the oral form.

• Vitamin E is an oil soluble vitamin that appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is absorbed in the presence of oil.

• Omega Fish Powder, also contained in Nutri-Joint for Pets, supplies omega-3 oils, which allow for the absorption of the vitamin E. Omega-3 oils by themselves have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective at a dose of 60 to 80 mg per kilogram. Your animal’s weight in kilograms can be reached by dividing the weight in pounds by 2.2. Therefore, in addition to Nutri-Joint for Pets, adding extra omega-3s in the form of krill oil can make this regimen even more beneficial. If you use a liquid form of omega-3s such as Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil, remember to store omega-3 oils in the refrigerator. If the oil is encapsulated, storing at room temperature is okay.

• Silica also is used in the oral powder form of Nutri-Joint. On a side note, there is one article that found the consumption of water containing silica at a level of 10 mg per day lowered the risk of Alzheimer’s by 11 percent. I have no knowledge if this hold true in animals as there are no studies that I am aware of relating to decreased cognitive function and silica in animals.

• The Liver Powder in Nutri-Joint is primarily a flavoring agent, which makes it more palatable for your pet.

In conclusion, Nutri-Joint for Pets is an excellent product that can be enhanced with the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and will help most pets that suffer with arthritis or inflammation.