Hip Dysplasia:
Diagnosis - Treatment - Prevention
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See also:
Definition and symptoms of hip dysplasia
Risk factors for the development of hip dysplasia in dogs
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed ?
How is hip dysplasia treated medically ?
Treatment of hip dysplasia (other oral supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs)
How is hip dysplasia treated surgically ?
Hip dysplasia prevention
Part 5: Treatment of Hip Dysplasia by
Oral and Injectable Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents

Part 1: Definition and symptoms of hip dysplasia
Part 2: Risk factors for the development of hip dysplasia in dogs
Part 3: How is hip dysplasia diagnosed ?
Part 4: How is hip dysplasia treated medically ?
Part 6: Treatment of hip dysplasia (3)
Part 7: How is hip dysplasia treated surgically ?
Part 8: Hip dysplasia prevention
Oral Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents
 
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin are two ingredients of supplements that have become widely used in treating both animals and humans for osteoarthritis. Due to the overwhelming success in treating patients with osteoarthritis, these products have come to the forefront of therapy and are becoming the most popular products for managing arthritis today.

Glucosamine is the major sugar found in glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronate, which are important building blocks in the synthesis and maintenance of cartilage in the joint. Chondroitin enhances the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and inhibits damaging enzymes in the joint.

When a dog has hip dysplasia or other osteoarthritis, the joint wears abnormally and the protective cartilage on the surface of the joint gets worn away and the resultant bone-to-bone contact creates pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin give the cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) the building blocks they need to synthesize new cartilage and to repair the existing damaged cartilage. These products are not painkillers; they work by actually healing the damage that has been done. These products generally take at least six weeks to begin to heal the cartilage and most animals need to be maintained on these products the rest of their lives to prevent further cartilage breakdown. These products are very safe 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 from products that contain pure ingredients that are human grade in quality. Products such as Drs. Foster and Smith Joint Care and Gluco-C, or the veterinary-sold product Cosequin are several that fit this category.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe, Denosyl SD4): A recent product, Denosyl SD4, has been advocated for the management of osteoarthritis in people. The efficacy of this product for the management of osteoarthritis in animals has not been fully determined, however it is being used as a treatment for liver disease in dogs and cats. It has both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

Perna Mussels: Perna canaliculus, or green-lipped mussel, is an edible shellfish found off the shores of New Zealand. The soft tissue is separated from the shell, washed several times, frozen, and freeze-dried. It is then processed into a fine powder and added to products. It is made up of 61% protein, 13% carbohydrates, 12% glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), 5% lipids (including eicosatetraenoic acids, or ETAs), 5% minerals, and 4% water. It also contains glucosamine, a GAG precursor and one of the building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamine, GAGs (unbranched chains of complex sugars) and ETAs (a type of Omega-3 fatty acids) are the compounds in the mussel believed to contribute to its beneficial effects. ETAs are the key ingredients that help in the anti-inflammatory activity and thereby the reduction of joint pain. GAGs are the main components of cartilage and the synovial fluid found in joints.

Tetracyclines: Some tetracyclines such as doxycycline and minocycline have been shown to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. The results of one research study suggested that doxycycline reduced the degeneration of cartilage in dogs with ruptured cruciate ligaments. Further studies need to be done to evaluate the benefit of these tetracyclines in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.


Injectable Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents

Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan): Adequan is a product that is administered as an injection. A series of shots are given over weeks and very often have favorable results. The cost and the inconvenience of weekly injections are a deterrent to some owners, especially since the oral glucosamine products are so effective. This product helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and may help with the synthesis of new cartilage. The complete mechanism of action of this product is not completely understood, but appears to work on several different areas in cartilage protection and synthesis.

Hyaluronic Acid (Legend): Hyaluronic acid is an important component of joint fluid. Including it in the management of osteoarthritis may protect the joint by increasing the viscosity of the joint fluid, reducing inflammation and scavenging free radicals. Most of the research on hyaluronic acid has been done in people and horses, but it may also be effective in dogs. This is an injectable product which is administered directly into the joint.
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