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Synflex (Syn-Flex) for Pets : Home
Hip Dysplasia
11/15/04 J.R. Rogers
We have discussed issues about the use of liquid glucosamine for pets suffering from arthritis. This time, I would
like to focus a little more on hip dysplasia and steps that can
be taken to deal with this often complex issue.
Who suffers from Hip Dysplasia?
Broadly speaking, hip dysplasia (a malformed hip socket) strikes generally in larger breeds of dogs although not
exclusively with them. This excessive movement in the affected
joint caused calcium deposits, chronic inflammation problems
and this all adds to greater degeneration in the joint. It is interesting to note that this condition is not present at birth; it
develops in the puppy stage.
There is also some controversy about what causes hip dysplasia. Some say it is genetic but this is not conclusive. In
fact, a closer reading of the l iterature reveals some other
factors. The issue with larger breed dogs is weight. And of course, the
more they weigh the greater the problem is.
Liquid Glucosamine and Other Factors
Our regular readers know that I am a very strong advocate for using liquid glucosamine in dealing with hip dysplasia and
other arthritis related conditions in family pets. The success
reported by pet owners seems to bear the conclusion that it is
a highly successful avenue to follow.
Other Synergistic Ingredients
A pharmaceutical quality liquid Glucosamine formula does not stand alone. My experience tells me that other ingredients
used synergistically with Glucosamine are much more
effective. In particular, let’s focus on one.
Liquid Formulas, Vitamin C, Diet
The reason for using a liquid formula has been well established. It is much more highly absorbed than a pill or
capsule form. In fact, a look at the historical clinical studies
reveals that only about 800-850 mg. a day is required to be highly effective. In reviewing the clinical studies, it is interesting to note that
researchers have also implicated a Vitamin C deficiency in the
development of hip dysplasia (chronic sub clinical scurvy.) If
that is the case, then the theory would be that the hip forms
poorly because of a weakness in the ligaments and muscles that surround the joint. For that reason, a liquid glucosamine formula should contain Vitamin C.
Prevention
Since hip dysplasia begins in early puppyhood, this is also an
indication that you should not wait until you see signs of
arthritis in your dog before using liquid glucosamine. I would
submit that using doses appropriate to their body weight would be a good preventive step.
Diet
I have said this before and will say it aqain. Pets that are fed as
much
natural
food as possible stand a better chance against
developing arthritis and as well, when they are coping with it. The more natural the food you feed your pet, the better off they
will be in the long run.
What’s right?
I don’t think there is any “perfect” solution as to what a more
natural diet should be for your pet. I do recommend that if you
are using commercially manufactured foods, that you use
caution as to what you buy. (See, our prior Pet Arthritis
Chronicles) But you might consider this. If you stay in the three basic food groups recommended for humans you have it
about right. Try feeding them some combinations of raw vegetables. As well, I recommend some fruits in the mix. There is one major
exception to using any “fruits.” Grapes can be toxic to pets as
recently reported (liver failure).
If you are feeding them legumes like beans, split peas and lentils that is also good. However, you are going to have to
cook them. If you are short on time and want to stay with the
food group, use tofu as a substitute.
Time
Most of us just do not have the time to devote to these feeding
situations. If so, try tackling this by preparing batches in
advance and freezing them.
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