Clean Run Magazine - May 2007 - 65

soybean unsaponifiables, known as ASU. ASU works along with the glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to support the joints. Differences do exist between various joint health supplements in terms of the quality and purity of the raw materials, so it is important to choose a supplement carefully. Because these products are naturally occurring compounds, they are very safe to use and show very few side effects. There are many different glucosamine/chondroitin products on the market, but they are not all created equal. We have seen the best results and fewest side effects from products that are formulated especially for dogs and which contain pure ingredients that are human grade in quality. Both Cosequin and Dasuquin are superior choices. Cosequin is the original glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate brand and the brand shown effective, safe, and absorbable in dogs in published, controlled U.S. studies. And now recent research using cartilage cells has shown that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate plus ASU work even better than the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate alone at lowering expression of inflammatory mediators, compounds in the joint that are involved in cartilage breakdown, making Dasuquin an excellent option, too. Adequan is an injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) available in veterinary medicine. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan is made from an extract from bovine lung and trachea. The principle GAG present in PSGAG is chondroitin sulfate. Adequan stimulates cartilage repair processes, binds to damaged cartilage, and suppresses the enzymes that eat away at joints. It helps keep joints lubricated, making movement easier and increases your dog’s comfort by reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Adequan® Canine is the only FDA-approved product of its type in the arthritis treatment market and is a prescription-only injection administered by licensed veterinarians. The use of Adequan has been evaluated for the treatment of OA. In a study performed by Lust, the effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of Adequan were evaluated in growing pups with hip dysplasia. Lust found that IM administration of Adequan from 6 weeks to 8 months of age in growing pups that were susceptible to hip dysplasia Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan resulted in less subluxation (incomplete or partial dislocation of a bone in a joint) as determined through radiography. Treated pups also had closer coxofemoral congruity at 8 months of age; the head of the femur was found to have a better fit within the socket of the hip joint. DeHann also evaluated the effects of IM Adequan for the treatment of hip dysplasia in 84 dogs. In his study response to treatment was analyzed based on changes in lameness, range of motion (ROM), and pain on manipulation of the hip joints. DeHann found that dogs administered Adequan showed the greatest improvement in orthopedic scores compared to placebo; however, the differences in clinical improvement were not statistically significant. In his study, no local or systemic adverse reactions related to the drug were observed. Hyaluronic acid Another option for the treatment of OA is an injectable medication called hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronan is secreted by cells in the cartilage of joints. Hyaluronan is one of the major molecular components of joint fluid, and it gives the joint fluid, also called synovial fluid, its viscous, slippery quality. May 07 | Clean Run 65

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Clean Run Magazine - May 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - May 2007