Dog lovers are well aware that our four-legged friends sometimes suffer from serious ailments. Helping them is the owner's task. In this article we will present you the best chondroprotectors for dogs.
There are diseases that are characteristic of a particular breed. For example, sharpei often have a twist of the eyelids, Dalmatians often suffer from urolithiasis, and a pretty Pekingese almost always needs a cesarean section during childbirth. However, there are ailments that are inherent in all breeds - we will talk about joint diseases, fractures and dislocations, arthrosis and arthritis in elderly animals. We will talk about how to help your pet in such situations. We discuss which drugs can cure or alleviate the condition of the animal.
Hodoprotector for dogs - what is it?
These are herbal medicines. They are classified by composition and by generation (i.e., by the time they are introduced into veterinary practice). Today there are three generations of these tools.
In composition, they can be divided into:
- glucosamine-containing (Pentosan, Adequan, Glucosamine, etc.);
- complexes with glucosamine (Teraflex, Arthra);
- preparations with hyaluronic acid (Bonharen, Hionat);
- with the content of chondroitin ("Chondrolon", "Chondrogard", "Mukosat");
- preparations with chondroitin and hyaluronic acid ("X-GIA").
Medicines produced in the form of a solution for injection are much more effective than those that are available in tablets. Experts believe that glucosamine-containing drugs have a faster analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, especially if they are used in the form of injections.
Factors affecting drug choice
First of all, the condition of the animal and the joint is taken into account, in particular, the degree of development of the disease, as well as:
- the presence of a specialized doctor, the opportunity to visit a clinic in which your pet will be able to get an injection;
- affordability of the drug.
In addition, these preparations contain biologically active substances. This is a very effective treatment. Chondroprotectors -
drugs for dogs that improve cartilage metabolism, slow down or stop its destruction. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory effects.
If there is no one to inject the joint, you can resort to intramuscular injections. The chondoprotector for dogs incorporates the structural elements of cartilage, which are necessary for the renewal and construction of articular cartilage.
Today, veterinarians successfully use chondroprotectors for dogs. The list of such drugs is quite extensive. Here are just a few of them:
- "Biolysin-Arthro".
- "Arthrophyte".
- Stop Arthritis.
- Gelabon Plus.
- "Gelakan".
- Stride and Stride Plus.
- "Fitochondrovit."
- "Kinosil."
- Chondrocan.
Causes of Joint Diseases
We are sure that many dog owners are interested in the causes of severe joint damage in their pets. Today it is one of the most common pathologies. She is able to deprive the dog of the joy of movement for a long time.
The causes that cause such lesions include:
- joint dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- age-related changes;
- metabolic disorder - vitamin-mineral deficiency causes rickets, osteodystrophy, osteoporosis;
- autoimmune disorders;
- lack of exercise (lack of movement).
In large dogs, hip, knee joints are more often affected (both in adults and in puppies). Representatives of small and medium breeds are prone to spinal injuries (most often sacral and lumbar). Hunting dogs are characterized by arthritis and arthrosis. As a rule, this is associated not only with excessive physical exertion or training of individuals who have not yet reached physiological maturity. Often, the causes of the disease lie in the excess weight of the animal. It is important to know that every extra five kilograms increase the load on the joints (knees) up to 20 kg.
They have a great impact on injuries and climatic conditions. Seasonal exacerbation of chronic diseases was noted. Adverse conditions can be detrimental to animals brought from other regions. They include the dogue de Bordeaux, mastino-napolitano, mastiffs, tosa-inu, fila brasileiro and others.
For many breeds, joint injuries become "familiar", so when choosing a puppy, you should know that in addition to timely vaccination and high-quality food, you will have to use chondroprotectors for dogs. Description of some drugs we will present in this article.
Treatment algorithm
Animals with joint diseases need a comprehensive treatment. Chondroprotectors for dogs in this case are used without fail, but, in addition, the loads should be reduced, the inflammatory and pain syndrome should be removed, and joint and limb mobility restored. Treatment involves the use of analgesics, NSAIDs.
Chondroprotectors for dogs of large breeds
Hyaluronic acid preparations (Stride, Bonharen) have proven themselves well in clinical veterinary practice. The last chondroprotector for dogs helps to significantly strengthen the cartilage of the joint and relieve pain symptoms. It is especially important that these medicines have practically no side effects.
In clinical studies of the use of Bonharen in the treatment of joint dysfunction in dogs, a decrease in pain was noted. The positive effect lasted for 6 months or more. Against the background of the use of this drug, the protective properties of synovial fluid are increased, anabolic are stimulated and catabolic processes in the cartilage are slowed down.
The main difference and the main advantage of Bonharen from analogues is the ability to administer it intravenously. In this case, the inflamed joint is not injured additionally. Due to the fact that low molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates even inaccessible places affected by the inflammatory process, Bonharen compensates for the deficiency of the elastic properties of cartilage, reduces inflammation, pain and facilitates the movement of the animal. That is why today the tool we are considering is considered one of the best in the prevention and treatment of joint diseases.
With increased loads (agility, exhibition training), 1-3 injections of the drug are made, with joint dysfunction, which is accompanied by lameness, pain, the course of treatment is at least three injections with an interval of five days. Dosage - 0.01 ml per kilogram of dog weight.
Stride
This is a natural chondroprotector for dogs. It provides ease of movement. It is known that damage to joint function associated with age, stress, trauma, significantly reduces the mobility and motor activity of the pet. Synovial fluid and cartilage are the basis for the work of the shoulder, femur and elbow joints.
"Stride" is a powder that is used for feeding. It provides an improvement in the condition of the cartilage and joints of the dog.
Stride Plus
Natural chondroprotector for large breed dogs, maintaining joint mobility. It consists of:
- glucosamine;
- MSM
- hyaluronic acid;
- chondroitin.
The listed chondroprotectors for dogs of large breeds are effective therapeutic agents, which belongs to the new generation of drugs.
Treatment of dogs of small breeds
In small dogs, such as Pekingese, French Bulldog, Schnauzer, pygmy poodle, Spitz or lapdog, the most common disease is Lagga-Calva-Perthes. Anomaly of the joints manifests itself in puppies at the age of six months, when isolated foci of osteonecrosis in the neck and head of the femur can be observed. Gradually, the focus increases, the head of the bone is destroyed, and as a result, the articular cavity is affected. Clinically, the picture is very similar to hip dysplasia. Motility decreases, pains appear, then claudication and partial muscle atrophy are added to them. During this period, minor injuries to the extremities are noted. Sometimes this disease also affects the shoulder joints. The disease lasts a long time. With timely treatment, bone tissue is restored (partially), joint function improves.
Puppies of some small breeds between the ages of four and ten months may develop aseptic necrosis of the femoral head - a genetic disease. It is characterized by a violation of the blood supply, which leads after some time to the destruction of the hip joint. Symptoms of the disease - muscle atrophy, lameness, the animal does not step on the sore paw, it is as if shortened. To treat these ailments, chondroprotectors for dogs of small breeds are used. Here is some of them.
"Arthrophyte"
This chondroprotector for dogs is a mixture of natural ingredients. Available in granules.
"Artrofit" is intended for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the ligamentous apparatus and joints. The drug is prescribed for puppies from one and a half months, as well as for adults or elderly animals.
I would like to draw the attention of the owners to the fact that this chondroprotector for dogs, the instructions for which are attached to each package, should be used in the dosage recommended in the description of the drug. Only a veterinarian can make changes.
The first two weeks should be given to the animal at 1.5 g per kilogram of weight. Then three weeks for 1 gram. The last twenty-five days, the dose is reduced to 0.5 grams per kilogram of weight.
With significant physical exertion (when feeding with natural products), the medicine can be used for a long time, every 3 days at 0.5 g / kg.
This medication should be given to your pet with food or immediately after feeding, twice a day.
Gelakan and Chondrokan
These are Czech chondroprotectors for joints. For dogs, they were released by Orling. "Gelakan" and "Chondrokan" have earned many good words from the owners of animals. They help to cope with various diseases of the joints, ligaments, tendons of our little four-legged pets.
The main active ingredient of "Gelakan" is a high-quality natural
collagen hydrolyzate. This is a product of enzymatic hydrolysis of tissues containing collagen (animal skin, bones). In addition, the composition contains proline and glycine, which contribute to the synthesis of type II collagen. As you know, it is the basis of cartilage.
Before use, the medicine should be dissolved in water. The diet should be introduced gradually over ten days, starting with 1/10 of the daily dose. The drug is mixed with the usual animal food.
Prevention
Many people know that it is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. Therefore, do not wait for the thunder to strike. Experienced dog breeders worry in advance about the health of their pet. At a very young age, the puppy is shown to the veterinarian, and he picks up a suitable collagen supplement for the baby.
Such drugs can be taken in courses of two months twice a year. This will protect your pet from formidable joint diseases. In addition, specialists made sure that these drugs were perceived by dogs as a treat.
Veterinarians warn that powder chondroprotectors, which we are talking about, should be given strictly according to the instructions. Any initiative in this matter can lead to negative consequences. Unpowered powder added to food can cause indigestion. This is due to the large amount of protein in its composition.
"Canvit Chondro"
A special drug created for the regeneration of joints, ligaments and cartilage, helps to relieve pain. Active substances:
- chondroitin sulfate;
- collagen hydrolyzate;
- glucosamine sulfate.
Dosage
For prevention, young animals are given 0.5 tablets per ten kilograms of weight. For intensive restoration of cartilage, 1 tablet is required.
Can chondroprotectors be replaced?
Such a replacement is not practical when it comes to painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Chondroprotectors for dogs are famous for the unique composition in which all components are balanced. How to replace such drugs? For prophylaxis, the use of products containing collagen and zlastin in the diet of an animal can be recommended. This is the liver, sea fish, fish oil, egg yolks, cereals, etc. When the disease is diagnosed, such measures will be clearly insufficient.
Today, synthetic chondroprotectors are successfully superseded by natural ones, which experts consider more effective and safe. For example, shark cartilage contains collagen. It is known that the cartilage tissue of sharks has a high ability to regenerate. In other words, the rate of wound healing in these marine predators is much higher than in other animals. Preparations containing shark cartilage have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Substances that have a beneficial effect on animals with joint diseases (chondroitin and glucosamine) are contained in high-quality dry feed. However, pet owners should understand that this is not enough for effective therapy. The treatment of joints, ligaments, tendons requires an integrated approach, taking drugs containing a quantitative and qualitative balance of the necessary substances - chondroprotectors.
Reviews
You can not call reviews about these drugs unambiguous. Owners of four-legged patients evaluate chondroprotectors for dogs differently. Reviews alone are enthusiastic. Dog owners believe that it was these drugs that cured their pet. Others believe that they are completely useless.
As it turned out, positive comments are left by the owners, who began to treat their pet at the initial stage of the disease, carried out complex therapy, and complied with all the recommendations of the veterinarian regarding physical activity.
Those who asked for help when the disease was started, and at the same time did not complete the full course of treatment, did not comply with the requirements of a specialist, as a rule, leave negative reviews.
Many dog owners say that they were misled by incorrect advertising, which promises an instant cure. In fact, chondroprotectors act slowly, so experienced dog breeders recommend being patient and not quitting taking these drugs. The best chondroprotectors for dogs can do wonders.