Our beloved pets are as susceptible to joint wear and damage as we are, perhaps even more so. They can end up suffering the same terrible arthritis pain that afflicts many humans. Thankfully, some of the methods we use to prevent pets arthritis in our bodies can also be applied to our four-legged companions.
What Is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a compound found within the healthy cartilage and synovial fluid in the joints of both people and animals. It is important for maintaining healthy gristle in bone, and is essential for repairing damage to it.
In young, healthy humans and animals, the body is able to produce glucosamine from glucose via biochemical reactions. However, as the body ages, this process becomes less efficient, resulting in a lack of glucosamine and the gradual damage to joints, which can lead to arthritis. Damage to the cartilage can also increase the amount of glucosamine needed beyond what even young people and animals can produce.
Glucosamine works with a type of cell compound, chondrocytes, to create new cartilage in joints. Glucosamine provides one of the building blocks used by the cell in creating cartilaginous tissue. When the body cannot produce enough glucosamine, new cartilage cannot be formed as old tissue begins to break down.
Glucosamine To Treat Pets Arthritis
Glucosamine has been used for more than 20 years as a preferred treatment for arthritis. It can treat arthritis in humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Aside from people, dogs are most commonly treated with glucosamine. The Compounding Pharmacy of Beverly Hills can compound glucosamine supplements for animals in pill, liquid, and treat forms. Although there have been few risks associated with treatment, pet owners should consult a veterinarian before starting their animal on a glucosamine regimen.
Treating Other Ailments With Glucosamine
Glucosamine is also used to treat some common and serious conditions in dogs, such as hip dysplasia, which is the most common form of joint damage dogs suffer, especially the larger breeds. This condition speeds up the normal wear of cartilage that protects the bony surface of the hip joint. If the cartilage wears away too much, the animal can experience bone-to-bone contact and the pain associated with arthritis. Even dogs without hip dysplasia may get arthritis in their hips as they age.
The most common animal patients to receive glucosamine supplements are middle-age and old-age large breed dogs. These animals suffer from arthritis most often compared to other pets. Giving supplements to these dogs can help them maintain or return to normal levels of activity with less stiffness.
Minimal Side Effects Using Glucosamine
During the 20-plus years glucosamine has been given to animals, no appreciable adverse effects have been documented. The only side effects noticed with glucosamine supplements was vomiting or diarrhea, which can be prevented by administering the dose with food.
The Purr-fect Fit
The Compounding Pharmacy of Beverly Hills is happy to discuss the compounding of a glucosamine supplement treatment or any other veterinary medications for your pet. We offer unique solutions by compounding specialized medications which meet the needs of your beloved pets.
