So, does glucosamine work for dogs and cats?  The answer is, yes.  There will always be exceptions to the rule but, for the most part this anti-inflammatory works in humans, dog, cats and horses.  Perhaps the questions shouldn’t be does glucosamine work for dogs?  Rather how does glucosamine work?

Every mammal is born with a spongy material in their joints called cartilage.  As a natural part of aging that squishy material starts to break down in joints that are used frequently during the normal course of living.  In humans it seems to start in the hands and in animals, especially dogs, it starts in the knees and slowly moves to the hips.  In the grand scheme of things it’s a bit like your hair turning gray as you age.  Except when your hair turns gray it doesn’t hurt.  Arthritis, the breakdown of this spongy material, can cause the bones that are near each other to rub and that friction can be very painful.

Giving glucosamine to your pet at the first sign of arthritis can not only prevent pain but, prevent damage to the bones in question.  Because of the friction between the bones; swelling of the joints may appear only compounding the problem.  Glucosamine reduces the swelling too. 

Many concerned pet owners ask what they should look for if they think their dog or cat is suffering from arthritis.  You know your pet better than anyone; so when things start to change or seem a little different that is when you need to contact your vet.  Don’t give any dietary supplements unless directed by your veterinarian.  The vet will give your pet the quick once over and take some X-rays and then it can be determined if your animal can benefit from supplemental treatment.

Glucosamine works from the inside out.  Your pet may also gain comfort from the outside in.  Warming beds are available from most online pet retailers.  The warmth eases the pain and helps the animal relax.  Canine massage and injections are available as alternative treatments.

Does glucosamine work for dogs and cats?  Yes, it does.  Follow your vet’s instructions and get the best dietary supplements available.  Stay away from the blends as they may not be as effective as the pure medication.

Your pet is an important part of your family and seeing them in pain makes you hurt too.  Give them the very best diet supplements available.  Pure glucosamine sulphate given in proper doses can work wonders.

Thought I would bring this exciting article from the Daily Mail to your attention, don't know how far off this solution is, but it could be a major breakthrough in Arthritis relief.

A revolutionary jab made from stem cells found in tummy fat could soon stop osteoarthritis in its tracks.

The breakthrough provides hope for the eight million people in the UK who suffer from the incurable condition and could potentially save thousands from needing joint replacement surgery.

Dutch and French researchers found injecting stem cells harvested from a patient’s own waistline protects joints against crippling damage. It appears to be the closest experts have come to halting the disease using  stem cell

The therapy works by stopping destruction of cartilage – the ‘shock absorber’  tissue inside which gets ground down by osteoarthritis – and by protecting ligaments.

A single dose of stem cells extracted from adipose tissue – fat which accumulates around the stomach – more than halved damage to knee joints in mice.

The findings, revealed at the American College of Rheumatology in Chicago, could mark a turning point in the search for a treatment. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.

Pain free: The treatment could end knee surgery for arthritis sufferers

It can inflame and damage any joints, but occurs mostly in the knees and  hips. Some joints become so severely worn down they require surgery.

As well as older age, risk factors include being overweight, a family history of the condition and sports-related injuries.

Many sufferers rely on anti-inflammatory painkillers to ease their suffering, but these can damage the stomach if used long-term. About 60,000 people a year end up needing a knee replacement.

Significantly, adipose tissue is   relatively easy to access and is thought to be the most abundant source of adult stem cells in the body.

According to some estimates, it contains 40 times more stem cells than bone marrow. Scientists are already using these fat cells in the search for cures for cancer, heart disease and spinal injuries.

Researchers at Radboud University in the Netherlands, and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in France, injected adipose stem cells into the joints of mice with arthritic knees.

The cells, known as mesenchymal cells, have the capacity to grow into a variety of body tissues.

Some mice received the jab seven days after osteoarthritis first set in, others 14 days after – which would translate into a few weeks or months in humans.

When it was given sooner, the jab cut destruction of cartilage by 54 per cent compared with those  injected with a dummy jab. After six weeks, they had half the amount of ligament damage.

The jab also slowed a process called synovial activation, where the soft membrane around the joint becomes inflamed, in some cases by as much as 30 per cent.

British experts and charities including Arthritis Care last night welcomed the latest research.

Robert Moots, professor of rheumatology at the University of  Liverpool, warned it was not yet certain how stem cells will behave in human joints.
But he added: ‘It is the strongest clue yet that stem cell treatments could make a big difference.’

Advice on other currently available products

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2060551/The-revolutionary-cell-jab-halt-arthritis-millions.html#ixzz1dUXJ5Uho

Products are certainly plentiful but how do you know which one is right for you?

Glucosamine is a product derived from shellfish and used for the repair of damaged joint tissue and reduce the pain associated with it. Glucosamine is unstable by itself and so needs to be partnered with another compound to stabilize it. This is the reason for the use of sulphate and hydrochloride ions; they serve as carrier molecules for the glucosamine to be absorbed. There is some debate over which ‘carrier’ system provides the superior absorption rate. The truth is, clinical evidence suggests that so long as the amount of glucosamine is the same, both forms will deliver the same amount. With the Hydrochloride (HCL) carrier system, less HCL is needed to ‘carry’ the glucosamine than the sulphate version . HCL is slightly cheaper too, making it the carrier ion of choice for some food supplement manufacturers.

However, it is the Glucosamine sulphate version that has stolen the clinical limelight. It is the more widely tested form and comprehensive clinical trials have shown it to be a highly effective alternative to non steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDS) for joint pain and inflammation. Experts also rightly question the therapeutic role of sulphate within a glucosamine sulphate product. Natural forms of sulphate are used by the body for the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of inflammation . Therefore some experts might argue that although it works as a wonderful carrier for glucosamine, the presence of sulphate may in fact enhance the regeneration of joint tissue and reduce inflammation as well. If you chose a Glucosamine Sulphate product ensure it is no less that 20% 2KCL. Anything more than this will dilute the amount of glucosamine in the product.

References:
Reginster jy et al. 2001. long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. lancet 357(9252):251-6
Towheed te et al. 2005 glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. cochrane database syst rev. (2):cd002946.