All pets can get osteoarthritis. Research reports that twenty percent of dogs over the age of one year have osteoarthitis. We observe that about five percent of cats have osteoarthrits. Larger and older animals are more likely to exhibit osteoarthrits symptoms. The symptoms are stiffness in moving joints particularly after a period of inactivity, favoring of a limb, difficulty in rising , hesitancy to jump, decreased activity level.

Osteoarthritis stems from the degradation of the cartilage in a joint. Cartilage acts as a buffer between bones in a joint and breakdown of the cartilage can reduce the efficiency of the function of the joint. The stresses of a pet's life may also contribute to the degradation of the cartilage, especially after trauma to the joint. Mild osteoarthritis is uncomfortable. Severe osteoarthritis, which can progress to bone on bone contact if the cartilage damage is extensive, is very painful. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition and is the result of a complex an not entirely understood interaction of several biomechanical and biochemical factors. Inflammation of the synovial membrane and fibrous capsule is signifacant for the following reasons. The release of lysosomal ensymes can degrade proteoglycans in the articular cartilage. The local sythesis of prostaglandins principally the E group can degade the proteoglycans and suppress the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteglycans. Free radical suproxide and hdroxyl radical released by acivated neutrophils can degrade hyaluronic acid in the joint fluid and proteoglycans in the cartilage. The synthesis of interleukins can initiate destructive processes within the chondrocytes. This inflammation produces pain and loss of joint motion. Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAIDS), interrupt the arachadonic acid cycle and inhibit the production of prostaglandin E. There are very good pet NSAIDS on the market today, but some pets can be sensitive to them and they can have gastro intestinal side effects. In this article we are going to discuss, several groups of supplements that are said to be chondroprotective. The term chondroprotection has recently entered usage and has appeared in promotional materials for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (glucoseamine) and chondroiton sulfate. Chondroprotective agents are capable of sustaining chondrocyte metabolic activity while suppressing the degradative action of mediators on articular cartilage. This definition encompasses any drug that can limit the destruction of articular cartilage without harming metabolism within the chondrocyte.

Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars . It is usually found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan, these are called polysulfated glucosamioglycans (PSGAGs). A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in variable positions and quantities. Understanding the functions of such diversity in chondroitin sulfate and related glycosaminoglycans is a major goal of understanding how these compounds protect the joint. Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compressive stresses within the joint. Along with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate has become a widely used dietary supplement in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is an amino sugar and is a precursor for the production of glycosoaminoglycans. Disruption of the biosynthesis glucosamine metabolism can lead to osteoarthritis. These two compounds are generally marketed together and have shown to markedly reduce inflammation in the joint and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Some of the more popular joint supplemtion diet are, Glyco-flex, Phycox, synovi- care and Butler Lean Treats for Large Dogs. Science Diet has a prescription diet for dogs wit OA called SCIENCE PRESCRIPTION JD. Chondroitons do not have to be used only when your pet develops OA they can be used throughout their life to maintain healthy joints.