PSGAG (Ppolysulfated glycosaminoglycan) Drugs
In the past, treatment for canine joint disease was primarily limited to NSAID medications such as aspirin and steroids such as cortisone. In the 1970’s and early 1980’s, veterinarians started experimenting with hyaluronic acid (a primary component of joint fluid), which was injected directly into the affected joints. Because this treatment often proved successful in helping a dog’s joint function, a number of other substances were then also tried as injectables.
The most successful drugs contained a substance naturally occurring in the joint called glycosaminoglycan, or GAG. Adequan, an injectable PSGAG (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) was determined to be the best of these drugs.
Veterinarians eventually found that they could inject Adequan into muscles rather than into the joints (thus eliminating a variety of problems) and that it could still be taken up by the bloodstream and absorbed by the joint without breaking into separate components.
Research has found that the PSGAGs not only reduce the pain and increase the function of arthritic joints, but also stimulate the joints to produce more joint fluid, and stimulate the healing and repair of cartilage. They block the effects of degrading enzymes, which in turn halts inflammation, cartilage degradation and synovial fluid destruction.
With the success of Adequan and its abilities to prevent, arrest, or reverse joint disease, researchers then developed oral ingestible equivalents such as Cosequin, Arthroflex and Glycoflex. These are oral supplements primarily consisting of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which are the building block substances involved in the GAGS of healthy joints.
It’s common knowledge today that oral consumption of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate can help in many cases of arthritis, and so they are a primary component of holistic dog therapy. Now you know how veterinarians ultimately arrived at the oral, rather than injectable formulations of substances that can help arthritis by supplying raw materials which help rebuild the joints.
But while glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are important supplements you can try, they are not the only supplements or treatments available for canine arthritis and/or hip dysplasia.
Also, even though we’re focusing on holistic therapies, you cannot always rule out the NSAID therapies for your pet as there are times when this is a reasonable treatment option. In those cases, we usually go by the rule that the best dose of any medicine is the minimum amount that works.
I usually advise medication first thing in the morning, when your dog is most likely to be stiff. If your dog is in good shape but not great, they are often treated again in the evening. If dosing twice a day doesn’t work with their pain and suffering, a cautious vet will usually then recommend increasing to dosing three times a day, always being on the lookout for side effects when using NSAIDs (blood in the stool, etc.). When the dog is again comfortable, it’s proper to cut back on the amount of medication used.
Just like with people, dogs will have good days and bad days, and the medication can be adjusted accordingly. They usually need the meds early in the day as well as exercise that helps keep them active.
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