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by Vixen on 04 June 2011 - 16:06
Vets can vary in their opinions, (as they do with their suggested ages for neutering dogs). Well I would just like to ask if your Vet has supported the idea of adding a supplement to (maybe/perhaps) help maintain good joints?
One of my GSD's has a very slight problem in her left hip. Became obvious after jumping a wall, and I had her hips X-Rayed. My (trusted) Vet said no big jumps - which we now obviously make sure of. He was happy that nothing further was necessary, but supported my idea of giving her Glucosamine/Chondroitin tablets (that also included Vit. C & E). Not prescribed by the Surgery by the way, so this was not beneficial to the Vet anyway.
I have a very large big-boned male - 3½ years old. I asked my Vet if he thought that these same tablets might be worth consideration for him too, because of his size. The Vet said there is no evidence to support that the tablets could prevent an issue with his joints. I do trust my Vet ..... BUT ideas can vary. Therefore, cannot help but ask if any of your Vets have supported the idea of this added supplement for a healthy dog, or agree if it does not need help then leave alone!
Thanks,
Vixen
One of my GSD's has a very slight problem in her left hip. Became obvious after jumping a wall, and I had her hips X-Rayed. My (trusted) Vet said no big jumps - which we now obviously make sure of. He was happy that nothing further was necessary, but supported my idea of giving her Glucosamine/Chondroitin tablets (that also included Vit. C & E). Not prescribed by the Surgery by the way, so this was not beneficial to the Vet anyway.
I have a very large big-boned male - 3½ years old. I asked my Vet if he thought that these same tablets might be worth consideration for him too, because of his size. The Vet said there is no evidence to support that the tablets could prevent an issue with his joints. I do trust my Vet ..... BUT ideas can vary. Therefore, cannot help but ask if any of your Vets have supported the idea of this added supplement for a healthy dog, or agree if it does not need help then leave alone!
Thanks,
Vixen
by ronin on 04 June 2011 - 16:06
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/glucosamine.html
Read throught the above it's quite interesting, with a reference to animal studies at the end.
Personally the best results I've seen in my old Rotts is when Salmon has been an ingredient in the biscuit/supplement.
Regards
Ronin
Read throught the above it's quite interesting, with a reference to animal studies at the end.
Personally the best results I've seen in my old Rotts is when Salmon has been an ingredient in the biscuit/supplement.
Regards
Ronin
by Vixen on 04 June 2011 - 16:06
Hello Ronin, Thank you very much for that link on the subject. I will sit down later and carefully read and absorb the information.
Much appreciated,
Vixen.
Much appreciated,
Vixen.
by steve1 on 04 June 2011 - 18:06
As said before all my Dogs are getting HOKAMIX JOINT powder every day as well as a Salmon oil and I have never had a dog which has not had top joints a1 normal and i have been giving Hokamix a long time.
Steve1
Steve1
by hexe on 04 June 2011 - 22:06
Vikram, when you're reading the quackwatch.com piece, keep in mind that humans and dogs differ greatly physiologically, and there is sufficient peer-reviewed data documenting the efficacy of chondroprotectants such as chonodroitin and glucosamine in dogs and horses to warrant using them in those two species. These supplements do not provide the same level of effectiveness in every patient, true, but they are benign enough substances that there's no harm in giving them a try in dogs that have established issues with one or more joints.
There is also no valid reason to not give these substances in advance of any joint issues, and I've yet to have a vet take exception to the fact that my dogs are on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from the time they come into my life until the day the leave this world. While I don't give it thinking it can *prevent* a joint problem, I do think it can be useful should the dog injure the joint; it can't hurt for the body to have a bit extra of the 'building material' on board as the healing process responds to the damage from the injury.
The sole caveat for this supplement is that it *can* affect how long it takes for the blood to clot, so it's recommended that the supplement be discontinued 7 days prior to any elective surgery, and if the dog needs emergency surgery the veterinarian should be reminded that the dog is receiving this supplement so he/she can compensate for it should there be any problems during the surgery.
There is also no valid reason to not give these substances in advance of any joint issues, and I've yet to have a vet take exception to the fact that my dogs are on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from the time they come into my life until the day the leave this world. While I don't give it thinking it can *prevent* a joint problem, I do think it can be useful should the dog injure the joint; it can't hurt for the body to have a bit extra of the 'building material' on board as the healing process responds to the damage from the injury.
The sole caveat for this supplement is that it *can* affect how long it takes for the blood to clot, so it's recommended that the supplement be discontinued 7 days prior to any elective surgery, and if the dog needs emergency surgery the veterinarian should be reminded that the dog is receiving this supplement so he/she can compensate for it should there be any problems during the surgery.
by ShadyLady on 04 June 2011 - 23:06
Joint problems, can be a combo of genetics, improper exercise as a puppy, and nutrition. I had a dog that I fed a pernicious mussel supplement to as he had a bad stifle joint. It helped him a lot. So if a supplement works, then go for it.
by Vixen on 05 June 2011 - 01:06
I would like to thank Steve1, Hexe, ShadyLady, along with Ronin, for all your very helpful and informative advice and comments regarding the use of adding joint supplements to the diet.
It has been interesting to have these thoughts and opinions.
Gratefully received, thank you,
Vixen
It has been interesting to have these thoughts and opinions.
Gratefully received, thank you,
Vixen
by hexe on 05 June 2011 - 02:06
My apologies, Vixen--don't know why I addressed my reply to Vikram, and it's too late for me to edit it now. 
by steve1 on 05 June 2011 - 19:06
Hexe
I was going through the posts from the beginning and when i see you mentioned vikram i went back several times to look at that post, No vikram i thought Yes, you are going senile without question then i read your last post and i breathed a sigh of relief Senility has not yet set in.
All i can say about a top joint supplement is that i give it from a 8 week old Puppy and so Hektor coming in July will also be put on the Hokamix Joint. If the pups are born with problems a Joint Supplement cannot put it right but it can help the dog or Puppy, and it can help protect it as it grows, i think the main problem with a lot of folk is that they are to kind to the Pups i find it better to feed a little under than a bit over,
I like to keep a Puppy lean and mean, that way it will learn to respond to the handler more if it is a little on the pecky side, and by this it will learn and get the treats whilst doing it.
The Treats though come from its daily ration, and sometimes i use the whole of the morning feed as treats even if the pup is away from home for instance taking it to a place to play and train like tracking etc, However this is going off the subject of Joint Supplements, so best stop now
Steve1
I was going through the posts from the beginning and when i see you mentioned vikram i went back several times to look at that post, No vikram i thought Yes, you are going senile without question then i read your last post and i breathed a sigh of relief Senility has not yet set in.
All i can say about a top joint supplement is that i give it from a 8 week old Puppy and so Hektor coming in July will also be put on the Hokamix Joint. If the pups are born with problems a Joint Supplement cannot put it right but it can help the dog or Puppy, and it can help protect it as it grows, i think the main problem with a lot of folk is that they are to kind to the Pups i find it better to feed a little under than a bit over,
I like to keep a Puppy lean and mean, that way it will learn to respond to the handler more if it is a little on the pecky side, and by this it will learn and get the treats whilst doing it.
The Treats though come from its daily ration, and sometimes i use the whole of the morning feed as treats even if the pup is away from home for instance taking it to a place to play and train like tracking etc, However this is going off the subject of Joint Supplements, so best stop now
Steve1
by hexe on 05 June 2011 - 19:06
Sorry, steve1, didn't mean to scare you like that! :) Just think how I feel now, though--I can't figure out why I typed "Vikram" when I clearly read "Vixen"...am I getting senile now??
You're dead on as to keeping pups on the lean side to benefit their soundness--again, nothing can change what's genetically there when it comes to the joints (save for surgical intervention), but letting pups carry too much weight certainly does not do the joints any favors, either. Same goes for permitting high-impact activities such as jumping off very high places and making hard landings, and failing to keep the pup's muscles toned with sufficient exercise. Supplements are just part of the equation to raising a pup to a sound adult.
You're dead on as to keeping pups on the lean side to benefit their soundness--again, nothing can change what's genetically there when it comes to the joints (save for surgical intervention), but letting pups carry too much weight certainly does not do the joints any favors, either. Same goes for permitting high-impact activities such as jumping off very high places and making hard landings, and failing to keep the pup's muscles toned with sufficient exercise. Supplements are just part of the equation to raising a pup to a sound adult.
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