Glucosomine/Chondroitin?

[Cinder & Smoke]

Phred here ~

Yep, Smokey started taking Glucosamine at about 2 years of age for his "trick knee" ...
and after about 6 months has hardly had a problem with it "popping out".
Bowser started on Glucosamine at 10-12 years of age - as soon as he got here ...
He walked with a rear end "hop" step ... after about 6 months he was able to
walk with a more normal gait.

We use what Doc Mike (the FurKids' White Coat) takes for his OWN sore knees ...
WalMart store brand "Spring Valley" - Glucosamine Sulfate, 1000 mg capsules,
one per day.
(Smokey weighs ~~ 42#; Bowser about 30#)

And now *I* take one every morning, too! Dunno if it helps or not - but the old knees
don't bother me!

Research I did, and Doc Mike agreed with, said combination Glucosamine and
Chondroitin hadn't been proven to be any better for DOGS than plain Glucosamine. There are now some newer supplements out that add "MSM" and offer
a THREE-way combination - Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM ...
but no real studies hve been done to prove the stuff "works".

Note: Smokey started out taking TWO x 500 mg TABLETS made by Spring Valley -
but our local WallyMart stopped carrying that in favor of the more popular larger CAPSULE.
Cost is only $10-$12 per 200 count bottle. Some of the VET-sold brands cost a LOT more -
and are of no better quality according to Doc Mike.

Smoke takes his by the "Open Wide & Shove it down" method;
Bowser has stopped *grabbing* (pills AND fingers) and now *EATS* his like a treat!
(Capsule makes a loud POP if he <chomps> it just right!)

/s/ Phred

[jackie]

I take Webbers Naturals and seems to do just fine.

[K9karen]

Cody took Cosequin, prescribed by the vet. Very expensive, so I switched to an over the counter brand and the garbage gut, big goofy galoot got sick. The vet said some GC pills are manufactured differently. None for Logan yet, but I will ask my vet on her next visit as a precaution. Great stuff for hoomans too.

[wolfsoul]

I give Visa a glucosamine and shark cartilage supplement. Shark cartilage is actually supposed to be better than glucoasmine and chondroitin. I think the stuff I use is called Pet Wonders or something like that. And it's a reputable company, they only use cartilage from common sharks and don't kill them in large amounts. I gave these supplements to Visa during her pregnancy so I'm sure Solo's joints will be very good.

[ashleycat]

Where's the best site to get this shark cartalige?

[pnance]

Thanks everyone. Seems like there's lots of options, but most everyone recommends the human grades (cheaper and just as good if not better). Phred I had heard before though I hadn't followed up on it, that there's not really any scientific proof that a chondroitin additive is helpful. Bear's had fairly severe arthritis in his back legs since we adopted him when he was about 5. The supplement has kept him off rimadyl for the past 4 years. He has a vet appointment on Friday anyway so I'll discuss the options everyone gave me with the vet. Thanks again for your help.

[anna_66]

Roxey was having problems with her back leg and the vet recommended this...Synovi G3 It worked like a charm so needless to say I suggest it. Much cheaper through Amazon than it was from the vets (1/2 the price actually!). Take a look at the reviews, seems a lot of people have had success with this.

Ingredients
Glucosamine HCI, MSM, Creatin Monohydrate, Perna Canaliculus, Microcrystalline Celluslose, Sucrose, Natural Meat Flavor, Natural Liver Flavor, Marine Lipid Concentrates, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin C, Ainc Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate, Colloidal Silcon Dioxide, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Selenium.

Another thing I suggest is Liquid Health. I gave this formula to Angus and it worked wonders for him.

Nutritional Information
Glucosamine Sulfate*: 5200 mg

Bromelain*: 1000 mg

Perna Mussel*: 2000 mg

Cat's Claw*: 400 mg

Ester-C®: 2000 mg

Parsley*: 235 mg

MSM*: 1750 mg

Grape Seed Extract*: 75 mg

Shark Cartilage*: 1000 mg

Manganese: 10 mg
Ingredients
Purified Water, Glucosamine Sulfate, Apple Cider Vinegar, Perna Mussel, Ester-C®, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Shark Cartilage, Bromelain, Cat's Claw Powder, Parsley, Citric Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Potassium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.


I hope you can find something that works for you guys.
Just thought I'd add my two cents