Our pit bull, Rhieon, started limping quite dramatically about a year ago. Our vet determined she has arthritis in one of her front legs. I take glucosamine, and I asked the vet his opinion on this option for Rhieon. He said to give it a try. We got a large bottle of chewable glucosamine from our vet, and the results were dramatic. Within about a week, the limp disappeared. If we go for a walk of several miles, we may notice her favoring it slightly but that's about it.
Why and how does glucosamine work? I got the following information from a pet arthritis site online:
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
If any joint in a dog's body (and this is true in humans as well) has significant structural changes from normal, no amount of consumed nutrients in any form will correct that structural damage. If there are calcium deposits, scar tissue, cartilage tears and dissolution, contour changes to the bones at the joint surfaces from long term abnormal forces being applied... these abnormalities will remain present and will continue to affect the animal regardless of nutritional intake. Supplements to the dog's diet such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate and Vitamin E all assist in decreasing inflammation and improving the body's ability to repair and strengthen tissues. Supplements will not reverse structural changes in a joint such as torn cartilage, calcium deposits and advanced scar tissue. The best you can expect from an arthritic joint when providing supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin is a decrease in pain sensation, an improved resistance to additional joint tissue breakdown, and rejuvenation (improved health) of some soft tissues.
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She healed very quickly.
She will be going to have the other hip evaulated next month.
As you stated, it won't heal injury or defect, but definitely helps in the repair process.
Yep, it's good stuff. :O)
http://www.wobenzym.com/products6.html
This comment and rating of your older gather content was an idea Steve the Legend had on how to give a Christmas gift to our Gather connections. He recently posted an article with the suggestion of looking at content from before we were connected. You are the 9th connection I have done this with so far and you have a ton of content here, lol! Here's hoping you have an excellent holiday Shannon!