23 July 2010
Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disease of the joints that is common in both humans and pet animals. The consequences of this disease for the affected pet are reduced joint mobility and pain resulting in lameness or stiffness and a very much reduced quality of life. It is therefore important disease to both identify and manage effectively.
Joint disease is common in pets and is thought to affect up to 20% of the dog population with around 95% of affected individuals being over 5 years of age. The number of affected cats becomes harder to know due to the more subtle signs that cats often show but in fact with up to 95% of cats over 12 years of age with x-ray evidence of joint degeneration in one study, the number of affected cats appears to be higher than we commonly realise. So how would you know if your cat might be affected? Cats may not show obvious lameness but signs can be very non-specific. Things to watch out for include reluctance or reduced ability to jump, decreased jumping height, stiffness in gait, changed activity levels, changed personality, reduced appetite or reduction in grooming. Your pet’s annual health check and booster is an ideal time to discuss with your local vet practice if you are worried that your cat may be showing some of these more subtle signs and discuss whether he or she would benefit from any additional management steps to put the spring back in his or her step.
Management options for cats with joint disease need to be tailored to the individual but steps that can be effective include one or more of the following: anti-inflammatories, weight management, environmental modification, modified exercise, physiotherapy and joint supplements.
So what are joint supplements?
Joint supplements are not drugs but are food supplements (also known as nutriceuticals) and are commonly recommended as an aid to managing joint disease. Typically they contain substances useful for the repair of joint affected and contain substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. These substances are an aid in maintaining normal joint structure and function. They are reduced in the diseased joint and their supplementation can aid joint repair, more normal joint function and reduction in inflammation. These potential effects make them an ideal addition to any joint management program.
Cosequin cat is a new palatable formulation of the tried and tested Cosequin range, designed specifically for cats. The palatable sprinkle capsules provide an easy method of administering joint support to cats without fuss and can be used long term as part of a joint management program.
Why choose Cosequin over other supplements for your arthritic pet?
Not all joint supplements are the same, Cosequin contains the unique patented ingredients Chondroitin Sulphate ‘TRH122®’, Glucosamine Hydrochloride ‘FCHG49®’ and Manganese to provide beneficial synergy. Most trials conducted on this type of supplement have used the specific formulation of Cosequin
Numerous studies back the role of Cosequin in aiding joint function, showing a disease-modifying effect with reduction in cartilage degradation and inflammation as well improvement in clinical scores in osteoarthritis in patients.
The ingredients of different joint supplements vary and not all are adequately absorbed into the body. For Cosequin trials show sufficient quantities of the active ingredients are absorbed to exert their effect. With over 50 published papers behind Cosequin and manufacture to pharmaceutical standards, no other animal joint health support product has this amount or quality of research and the brand is a clear first choice when choosing a joint supplement to use in your arthritic pet.
What else can be done to help?
If you have a cat with suspected joint disease there are a number of simple but helpful steps you can take to help. These include placing food and water bowls in easy to reach locations, locating bedding and rest areas out of draughts where the cat can easily gain access. Gentle grooming may also help your cat to feel brighter if he is unable to do it himself. To find out more information visit the Cosequin website, which provides information on joint supplement for cats, dogs and horses.
