Is it true that green lipped muscles are good for arthritis in dogs ?

3 Comments

1. Rochelle says:

   October 6, 2011 at 8:04 pm

   Its spelled mussel. Some say so. Also MSM, glucosamine, yucca extract, hyaluronic acid are frequently used. A baby aspirin with food is acceptable as well. Of these, my favorites are pure MSM with NO anti-caking ingredients and the Yucca. You can find all of these more cheaply at Costco than at any pet food place and the ingredients are the same. Triple Flex is a good product sold at Costco that I have also used.

   Dont forget the prescription stuff: Metacam, Tramadol, and also injections can be given. I would stay away from Rimadyl.

   Tarielle has some good info, however cartrophen is not available in the USA. Adequan shots are similar and are available in the US.

   Ro
2. tarielle_au says:

   October 6, 2011 at 8:31 pm

   Yes, the green lip muscle is good in an arthritis medication but you should try to get one that also has glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

   Don’t forget the omega oils (3, 6 & 9) or add some oily fish to your dogs diet (salmon is great).

   Here is a breakdown of these ingredients and what they do:

   Glucosamine sulfate is one of the safest and most widely-used remedies for arthritis. It helps rehabilitate damaged cartilage by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chondroitin sulfate, the essential component of cartilage. Glucosamine has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity, which helps to relieve some of the joint pain the dog may be suffering.

   Chondroitin sulfate is another natural medicine found in the body and it works to prevent enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is often used in combination with glucosamine, however, when used alone, glucosamine sulfate helps the body to manufacture its own chondroitin.

   Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is often recommended by veterinarians for animals with joint conditions. The sulfur in MSM can be utilized by the body in the formation of compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, as well as the amino acids methionine and cysteine. Arthritic joints often have low levels of both sulfur and cysteine. Animal studies have found MSM helps to maintain normal articular cartilage.

   Green-Lipped Mussel, or Perna canaliculus, contains protein, minerals, glucosamine and Eicosatetraenoic acids (ETAs). ETAs are a type of Omega-3 fatty acids and provide an anti-inflammatory effect which helps reduce joint pain. Research in both humans and animals have shown that perna mussels have been effective in managing degenerative joint disease and arthritis. Human patients receiving perna mussels reported less pain, joint stiffness and improved mobility.

   My dogs arthritis was getting very bad with the onset of the cold weather where I live so she went through a series of cartrophen injections. Unlike other drugs, it treats the disease process that causes arthritis – not just the symptoms. It works on the cartilage and joint fluids inside the joints, reducing friction and pain. A course of 4 injections over a 2-3 week period will often provide a whole year (or more) of relief from arthritis – reducing or eliminating the need for other drugs. The injections are given under the skin (just like a vaccination). They aren’t expensive ($20-$25 per injection) and you pay a consultation fee only on the first visit. Cartrophen works in 80% of cases.

   The cartrophen helped my little dog and she is not limping on walks anymore so I can really recommend it.
3. Jane says:

   October 6, 2011 at 8:41 pm

   I’ve used green lipped mussels before for one of my dogs and it did not help. Don’t waste your money. I did change to Deramaxx for the dog Talk to your vet and get his/her recommendations. Or if you’d rather contact a holistic vet for more ideas. .