Shellfish Diet Found To Benefit Dogs With Arthritis

Independent (UK) ^ | 9-9-2002 | Steve Connor

[blam]

Shellfish diet found to benefit dogs with arthritis

By Steve Connor
09 September 2002

Dogs fed on a shellfish diet have fewer problems with arthritis, according to a study showing that the New Zealand green-lipped mussel can alleviate canine aches and pains.

Scientists have found that powdered extracts of the mussels, when added to a dog's normal food, allow those suffering from osteoarthritis to live more normal lives after six weeks of treatment.

The results, to be presented at the festival this week, show that painful swelling and inflammation improved in four out of five dogs fed on the diet.

The green-lipped mussel was long thought to contain substances that can relieve arthritic symptoms. Maoris who eat them regularly have a low incidence of the disease, but this is the first time the effect has been shown on dogs.

Arthritis affects most dogs over five years of age and can severely hinder their movement. Karyl Hurley, a specialist in animal medicine at the pet food company Waltham, said conventional treatments with anti-inflammatory drugs could cause side-effects such as stomach irritation, anorexia, vomiting and ulcers."Managing this condition through diet is relatively new and much more holistic than conventional medicines," she said. "Vets and dog owners have embraced this alternative and have been thrilled with the response."

Nobody has identified the active ingredient in New Zealand mussels but scientists suspect it is a fatty acid that counteracts the degradation of cartilage and bone in arthritic joints.

In a study in the United States involving 30 dogs with arthritis, scientists fed half of them with the powdered extract and the other half with a placebo. After six weeks, independent vets scored the relatively ability of the dogs to perform tasks, without knowing which had been fed on the mussel extract.

Dr Hurley said that over half of those taking the treatment showed improvement on a "score" of arthritic symptoms. Nearly 70 per cent showed improvement in a score of joint pain and nearly a quarter were better in terms of swellings.

Dr Hurley said: "We believe that caring for animals through nutrition is sensible and can avoid more invasive or expensive alternatives."

[cmsgop]

Oh this is dandy.....

Now I gotta Cook some Steamers for my Shih-Tzu!!!!!

[Vigilantcitizen]

Thanks for posting this.

[vetvetdoug]

This is news? I have been using green lipped mussel extract for arthritic dogs for three years. Then again, I was using glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate for ten years before it became well know and used for arthritis in human therapy.

[patton]

Interesting...

[Timesink]

Man ... I hope your dog isn't Jewish.

[Old Professer]

What wine goes good with green-lipped mussels and arthritic dogs? What cheese should be served?

[DugwayDuke]

So where does one get this stuff? I've a seven year old Great Dane who could use some relief for his arthritis.

[gcruse]

 Then again, I was using glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate
for ten years before it became well know and used for arthritis in human therapy.

Glucosamine and CS work for me, too.  So I was pleased to find
some brands of dog food my doxie likes that include G&CS
in their formula for her.  She eats them now.

[henderson field]

I'm sure the shellfish work fine but there is a miracle drug that saves dogs and it's called Rimadyl. You have to get it on prescription but ask your vet and get some for your dog.

[gcruse]

 I've a seven year old Great Dane who could use some relief for his arthritis.

You can get glucosamine sulfate with condroitin at the
vitamin supplement area of most supermarkets.  But
that is human strength.  My dog gets  Nutro Max
formulated with GS&C at PetSmart.

[SCalGal]

There is a product called Glycoflex that is available from your veterinarian. If I remember correctly, it's not exactly the same as chondroitin and glucosamine, but similar. It's made out of the green mussel that the article talks about.

I'm using chondroitin and glucosamine for my german shepard (no hip sockets) and he's done unbelievably well on it. You can't tell there's anything wrong with his hips at all.

I did talk to one vet who saw wonderful results in some of his patients from the glucosamin/chondroitin, and then tried it on himself with no results at all. I take it, and I move a lot easier.

[SCalGal]

Watch that rimadyl. My vet requires that the dogs be blood tested (full liver panel) every two weeks. Rimadyl can be fantastic, but it can also cause the liver to shut down.

[Ditter]

My Jack Russel is on Rimadyl & it is great.

[Jeff Chandler]

I hope your dog isn't Jewish.

Kosher dogs?

[Jeff Chandler]

Seven years is a ripe old age for Danes. Wonderful breed. I raised them for years. I no longer have a large enough back yard for their long legs.

[my trusty sig]

gcruse, does the dog food bag/container state the actual amount of glucosamine/chondroitin per daily serving of food or otherwise indicate it's the vet-established amount per serving? I see certain dog foods containing anti-oxidants without mentioning the quantity. Could one simply figure a dosage based on the dog's weight compared to typical recommended dose for humans? Split a tablet?

SCalGal, how much do you give your dog(s) and what's the weight? PS- that stuff plus MSM has worked wonders on me, but my lab mix (over 8 years old) is beginning to show signs of wear and tear.

Any help greatly appreciated. I won't give ramidyl either... or standard anti-inflammatories.

[AngrySpud]

Green mussels? Whew ... thought I'd have to buy lobster.

[TheMole]

As you may know, chondroitin is made from shellfish. I believe it is extracted from the shells of crustaceans and mollusks, usually in Japan. If you sniff a bottle of glucosamine-and-chondroitin capsules when you open it for the first time, it smells like shellfish. This is probably also the reason that some people have allergic reactions to it.

[nmh]

Anyone<

Is this effective for felines also? If so is dosage by weight? If by wieght what dose is used per pound?

Regards,