Questions regarding Glucosomine

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Does anyone have researched data regarding the effectiveness of Glucosomine for dogs? My Murphy is over 10 years old and I am noticing he's a little more guarded with his jumping and running now. Just slower, as is normal, no injury.  Both mine have gotten Fish Oil for years, is it time to add Glucosomine? Thanks in advance

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There is some evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin have some effect on osteoarthritis in dogs when given in proper doses. Here's a link to an article from a veterinary website that discusses the various kinds of supplements and what studies have shown about their efficacy:
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/joint-supplements-dogs-helpful...

Here's the info on Glucosamine and Chondroitin:

"Glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine hydrochloride is an amino sugar, but it’s not involved in the glucose pathway. It’s a building block of the cartilage matrix and stimulates growth of cartilage cells. Glucosamine is readily available, cheap and can be given safely to diabetic patients, Dr. Brunke says.

Notice that we’re discussing glucosamine hydrochloride, here, notglucosamine sulfate. Although glucosamine sulfate is absorbed better, there have been no studies published showing that glucosamine sulfate actually shows up in synovial tissue after it’s been ingested orally. A joint supplement doesn’t help if it doesn’t get where it needs to be.

A loading dose of two times maintenance for four to six weeks is required for glucosamine hydrochloride to reach therapeutic levels, Dr. Brunke says. Maintenance is 500 to 1,000 mg for a 75-lb dog, which works out to about 15 mg/kg.

Does it work? A randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled, multicenter trial assessed 35 dogs with confirmed osteoarthritis of the hip or elbow for their response to orally administered glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. Carprofen was used as the control. Although onset of efficacy was slower than carprofen, dogs treated with glucosamine-chondroitin showed statistically significant improvements in pain scores, severity and weightbearing by day 70.¹

Chondroitin sulfate. This supplement works by inhibiting cartilage-destroying enzymes, but it’s difficult to source and extract, which raises the cost. Chondroitin is a large molecule with variable absorption, Dr. Brunke says, though some companies produce a low-molecular-weight version that can increase absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

Chondroitin requires a loading dose similar to glucosamine, and the standalone dosage is the same as glucosamine. When given with glucosamine, chondroitin has a synergistic effect and has been shown to lessen inflammation if given before a joint injury in dogs, Dr. Brunke says."

There are several other supplements also discussed in the article, some of which may be helpful. A glucosamine-chondroitin-ASU supplement was recommended to me by a physical therapy vet for Jack's osteoarthritis. (ASU is also discussed in this article). Unfortunately, it was not available in an unflavored form and he couldn;t have the flavored kind because of his IBD. But it sounds promising. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thanks Karen, good to know the difference between hydrochloride and sulfate.  I will look for a brand with ASU as well. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Dasuquin is the one that was recommended to me. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

How do you feel about glucosamine H and chondroitin for human consumption for dogs? Is it basically the same? Anything to be cautious of? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't think there's any harm in people trying it, but I have read that glucosamine & chondroitin are more effective for dogs than for humans.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We began Dasaquin with  MSM about 6 months ago.  We were giving it to all three doodles, but Ned began to refuse it and I really don't think he needs it, even though he's 10.  Clancy has a non-poodle build with heavier structure (more like and English golden retriever) and while he's exhibiting no issues, it can't hurt.  Charlie is only 5 but he has had an off and on limp especially when getting up from laying down,  since we got him a few years ago.  He's had a thorough external exam by the vet, but we haven't gone any further for a diagnosis.   Anyway, since we began Dasaquin, Charlie has not had ONE incident of limping or stiffness when he gets up.  This is only anecdotal, and only one dog, but I am sold on it helping him in some fashion so I will continue. Here is the one we administer:

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

There is a different kind of chewable Dausequin with MSM. Wally eats it like a favorite snack! Maybe Ned would prefer it to the tablet form. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

  I will check out the difference between these ad the ones you have.  Mine are chewable tablets but not soft at all. That might make a difference for Ned. Ned is difficult to feed - he either eats or he doesn't and he sniffs all treats before eating them - and sometimes he doesn't take them.  The only surefire thing we've found for him is peanut butter and we use it to administer medicine.