hip/joint problems? Kodee is on Salmon Oil & Vit E, for his skin/coat. I talked to a vet (when I was looking for a new one) re: concerns about HD as a dog ages. I asked him about supplements (he knows about the fish oil and Vit E.) He said that there is evidence that some supplements help a dogs mobility once they are symptomatic, but there is no evidence to support the notion that supplements actually delay or prevent HD or other joint problems as a dog ages. He said that the Salmon Oil and Vit E are fine, but I didn't specifically ask him any questions about that - just told him Kodee was on them.

What do you think? Does this information sound correct? I would like to think he's accurate, as I think he will probably be our vet from now on. But I have learned that vets do not know everything about dogs...

(Our old vet used to sell 3V capsules and stuff, I think for joints. Don't know if they were for prevention or treatment of symptoms...)

 Quote: Kori Bigge

Are there any supplements that actually prevent hip/joint problems?

No.

The vet was correct.

There are many reasons for giving fish oil and E, of course, including the inflammation that comes with damage, but not prevention of joint problems.

JMO.

Thanks, Connie. I hate always double-checking what a vet tells me, as I'd like to trust them, but of course, you can't always do that. I'm glad that you and he are in agreement. I have decided that he is going to be Kodee's new vet. You confirmed my decision just now. Thanks!

 Quote: Kori Bigge

.... he is going to be Kodee's new vet. You confirmed my decision just now. Thanks!

I sure hope that your decision wasn't based on that question, which would be answered the same way by pretty much any vet.


Answers to diet and vaccination questions might be more revealing.

No, what I meant was that I had already decided, but you re-confirmed my decision. He's going to do titers vs. vaccination, and although he isn't in total agreement w/Kodee's raw diet, he didn't try to talk me out of it. He stated that he looks like he's doing great on the diet he's on, and if I was comfortable with it, he saw no problem with it. (It would be nice if he was actually a supporter of the raw diet, but I weighed the pros and cons of all the vets I've spoken with, and overall he was by far the best for me/Kodee, I think.) He knows that I will occassionally be consulting w/the holistic vet I found re: diet, or alternative treatments if I decide to look into them. I s/w him (interviewed him ) for almost an hour in a face-to-face meeting last week. He was great, and I felt really comfortable with him, and he was great w/Kodee.

It's a shame, but the more I learn doing my own research, the more I tend to second-guess things I hear from vets. I think I found a good balance w/him and the holistic vet I found.

I don't know of any studies done on dogs, but there are lots of studies done on humans and joint problems.

The Lancet in 2001 published 3 year double blind study. about a 25% improvement for those taking GS and 10% worsening of symptoms for those taking placebo. Xrays also revealed worsening of the knee joint cartilage in those taking placebo and no change in those taking GS. NO blood sugar changes or other noted side effects.

another study used 160 people ave age 65 with cervical and or lumbar Degenerative joint disease. 6 week trial with GS that was a randomized and double blind study. There was significant improvment in the group taking the GS in pain/funtcion parameter and range of motion studies as well. This improvement was noted for 4 weeks after the trial ended.

another study reviewing GS research has shown a reduction in the risk of joint space narrowing by 54% when taking GS. (poolsup et al. Ann Pharmacother 2005:39:1080-7.)

another 3 year TCT found no radiographic joint deterioration in the GS group.

There is a lot of research on the human side if that does make you feel any better about your decision to use or not use it. If anyone wants I do have the references for each of these studies cited plus more.

One thing I noted on the human side is most research citing positive results were ones that used glucosamine Sulfate. Most that showed minimal or no positive effects were things like glucosamine hcl or kcl or NaCl

Glucosamine with Chondroitin hasn't been heavily researched. Those two on their own have both been shown to have positive effects, but if it were me, i'd buy on or the other instead of both together. This isn't a case of double the effects, but it will double the amount you pay. I'm not saying it isn't better, but research has not shown this yet. just a little fyi

obviously there is a lot more than just GS or CS that goes into joint health, but these are two supplements that have been studied quite a bit in regards to joint health. When looking at supplements don't forget to step back and look at the big picture.