March 15, 2009

Hi, everyone! I'm back from my vacation, at last! I had a great time, seeing some of the amazing country in eastern Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, and meeting lots of new people, and new kitty friends. It was a really fun time, but it is also great to be home again!

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Dear Obie,
My human mom gives my much older sister glucosamine for cats. She used to limp because her joints were getting old and arthritic. Now she runs and plays and jumps just like she used to do when she was a young cat. My mom tells all her older friends with cats about it. Perhaps you might want to share the benefits of glucosamine with your readers.
Enjoy reading your column,
Cheyenne


Dear Cheyenne,
Thanks for the email! Glucosamine and chondroitin have actually been used by doctors and veterinarians in Europe for over twenty years to treat osteoarthritis in both humans and domestic animals. In cats, we have many different joints that can easily be affected by osteoarthritis, largely because of our active natures. We run, jump, and play so vigorously that our joints take a lot of abuse, all "sleeping cat" jokes aside! Hip dysplasia is one of the top problems faced by cats, and the use of glucosamine and chondroitin can really help us feel better!

Only recently have doctors and vets in the United States started prescribing glucosamine and chondroitin to their patients, and a lot of the reason for the delay is money. These are products that can not be patented by the large drug companies, as they are considered a nutraceutical. Nutraceuticals are naturally-occurring substances that are found in many foods, and in human and animal bodies, and basically fall under the same heading as vitamins. Large drug companies are seeking profit from their products, to offset research and development costs, so nutraceuticals have been largely ignored.

Fortunately, that is no longer the case. The benefits of these items are now becoming widely known, and more and more vets are using them to treat animals with arthritis issues. The results that have occurred in both humans and animals have been eye-opening, and now several drug companies are offering glucosamine and chondroitin products.

So where do these substances come from? Well, glucosamine and chondroitin are found in the bodies of animals, mostly within cartilage. Due to the breakdown during digestion and normal processing, very little of the glucosamine in an animal's diet is available for use by the body. So the body compensates by synthesizing its own glucosamine. As an animal ages or the joints become damaged, the body can't keep up with the production and a supplement is needed. And that supplement, surprisingly enough, comes mainly from the shells of crustaceans! Glucosamine is a 2-amino derivative of glucose, obtained through hydrolysis of chitin, and crustacean shells are rich in chitin! And chondroitin is found in animal cartilage, mostly cow.

Now, how do these substances work to help cats? According to my friends in the Veterinary and Aquatic Services Department at Drs. Foster and Smith, cartilage consists of several different cells, one of which is called chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are responsible for building new cartilage as the old breaks down. As cats age, the chondrocytes can't keep up with the breakdown of the old cartilage. Glucosamine acts like a construction worker, providing the boost needed to help rebuild broken down cartilage. Meanwhile, the chondroitin acts like a policeman, blocking destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joints.

With any new drug or process, one of the main concerns is side effects. Happily, in over twenty years and millions of doses prescribed in Europe, there has not been a single report of side effects other than mild stomach upset. And that can be eliminated if the drugs are given with food. This is a perfectly safe treatment for animals, and humans, who suffer from arthritis and joint deterioration, and offers that light at the end of the tunnel that many pet-owners crave for their pets. These products can be purchased in health food stores or online, but I highly recommend you consult with your vet before placing your pet on any medication! Many vets in America are just learning of the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin, so if your vet is unsure, give him or her time to research it. But definitely, if you have animals that suffer from joint problems and osteoarthritis, call your vet and ask about these amazing products!

Thanks for the email, Cheyenne!
Your friend,
Obie

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"Cats and women do what they want, and men and dogs had better just learn to adjust."
-Author unknown

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Remember, folks, I am not a vet! I am a cat! Always talk to your vet before making any medical decisions regarding your cat! Please!