In the cartilage tissue of healthy dogs, cartilage breakdown and recovery are in balance. In the case of cartilage destruction, cartilage metabolism is upset and shifted towards degradation.
The condition of the articular cartilage is then determined by the quality and quantity of the intercellular material produced by the cartilage cells, including their water content.
If the amount of water-binding proteoglycans (glucosamine and chondroitin) in the intercellular cartilage tissue decreases, the cartilage loses water content, its elasticity decreases and it becomes more fragile. Inelastic cartilage suffers micro-injuries under stress, which can trigger further degradation processes.
The direct cause of destructive cartilage wear is not exactly known. But it is a fact that cartilage metabolism is disrupted in this case and shifts in the direction of decomposing processes. The proteins that cause inflammation, so-called cytokines can also play a key role in the process leading to cartilage destruction. Due to their effect, more of the substances that digest cartilage, such as collagenases, are formed.
It helps the functioning of the joints if the synovial fluid is sufficiently viscous, densely flowing, and jelly-like, so it can protect the cartilage surfaces from being damaged when they come into contact with each other. In order to protect the joints, it is also advisable to restore its healthy composition.
Cartilage wear and tear can affect all joints, but hip, knee, shoulder and ankle joints are the most common. When the wear starts, there are usually no symptoms. The most typical symptom is that your pet starts off more cautiously, not putting any weight on the limb. Musculoskeletal complaints can be prevented and treated with a little care. But however once they have developed, it is a long and tedious process to correct the condition.
Cartilage wear and cartilage protectors
To keep dogs healthy, we are trying to use more and more cartilage-protecting and cartilage-strengthening substances. These include glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, important building blocks of the intercellular structure of cartilage tissue, which are unfortunately not always available in sufficient quantities in old age. Replenishing them can be a key factor in both prevention and treatment.
Glucosamine sulphate
It is made up of glucose and an amino acid called glutamine, a precursor of the water-binding glucosaminoglycan, a key material for maintaining healthy cartilage.
Glucosamine also inhibits the activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes such as hyaluronidase, which can stop or slow down the process of cartilage degradation. It also improves the viscosity properties of the synovial fluid. It is administered in the form of glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetylglucosamine. The most rapidly absorbed form is glucosamine sulphate. When administered orally, 90% of the active ingredient is absorbed through the intestinal tract, of which about 25-26% is actually utilized, and part of this is excreted in the synovial fluid. Glucosamine sulphates also have a similar effect to classical anti-inflammatory drugs. Together with chondroitin sulphate, it also strengthens collagen fibres.
Cartilage wear: Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin is the glycosaminoglycan present in the largest quantity and is responsible for the water-holding capacity and flexibility of cartilage. The most characteristic feature of chondroitin is that it can bind water in larger quantities than glucosamines. When cartilage tissue breaks down, the amount of chondroitin in the cartilage and the water content of the cartilage are demonstrably reduced.
Chondroitin sulphate increases the synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen in cartilage cells, helping to restore cartilage elasticity. It is also involved in the inactivation of cartilage-degrading enzymes, thereby inhibiting cartilage degradation, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In joints, it increases the level of hyaluronic acid and increases the viscosity of synovial fluid. The effect is not immediate, but with regular use, an effect can be expected after 2-3 weeks. However, the results obtained are maintained for a long time after taking the product.
Chondroitin is usually made from beef, pork, or shark cartilage. When administered orally, some of the chondroitin sulphate is absorbed and enters the synovial fluid.
Unity of strength
Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate, and in particular a combination of the two, are effective agents in the treatment of arthritis because they reinforce each other: mobility is significantly improved and, in mild to moderate cases of arthritis, they reduce inflammatory pain as much as previously effective anti-inflammatory drugs.
There is no evidence of cartilage-building effects when taken orally, but they are well established as anti-inflammatory and anti-wear agents, protecting the cartilage surface over the long term.
Cartilage wear: Hyaluronic acid and others
Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in joints. It passes through the inner lining of the joint capsule, thickens the synovial fluid and participates in the nutrition of cartilage tissue.
Hyaluronic acid and similar substances can rapidly absorb, bind and release water. In this way they affect the viscosity of the synovial fluid, reduce friction and ultimately protect the cartilage. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects have also been observed. They are administered in the form of sodium hyaluronate, which is also able to penetrate the inner lining of the joint capsule. When injected directly into the joint, hyaluronic acid prevents further wear and tear, relieves pain, improves mobility and stimulates the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid in the joints.
Opinions differ on the effectiveness of cartilage protectors. What is certain is that they help to keep joints functioning properly, and they also have an indirect analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The fact that cartilage damage cannot be reversed, as far as we know at present, is a warning for cartilage protection!
For more information, read our article on arthritis or the benefits of green-lipped mussels.
Please, take a look at our cartilage strengthening products.
K9 FullFlex™
Food supplement rich in anti-cartilage wear substances, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and chondroitin sulfate.
Similar to K9 FullFlex™ contains, in addition to the immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms (K9 Immunity™) contained in it, a large amount of high-quality natural substances specifically designed to regenerate and keep joints (connective tissues, cartilage and joints) healthy.
Areas of application
K9 FullFlex
- For large, fast-growing dog breeds, from a young age, to nourish and protect the bones, cartilage, and tendons, and to improve the general ability to move.
- To alleviate the effects of increased physical stress on the joints and connective tissues of racing and working dogs.
- For breeders, for the healthy development of the skeletal system (maintenance) of the individuals that most closely carry the breed traits.
- In aging dogs, to preserve the elasticity and strength of the connective tissues, to delay natural wear and tear, and to preserve the dogs’ mobility.
- For the additional treatment of injury and inflammation of connective tissues (bones, cartilage, joints, etc.), as well as various orthopedic surgical interventions, to shorten the regeneration period and to reduce pain.
- Inappropriate housing and feeding, diseases due to ageing or diseases specific to the breed (arthritis, osteoarthritis, various types of dysplasia, stb.) megelőzésére, kezelésére és tüneteik enyhítésére.
Main ingredients of K9 FullFlex™ (4000 mg chewable tablet)
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250 mg
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It helps to maintain the health of joints, cartilages and tendons, helping them to regenerate and preventing further damage by maintaining and lubricating them.
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Calcium carbonate
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200 mg
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A compound used to replace calcium, which is essential for the health of bones and joints. This breast relieves inflammation.
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200 mg
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Chondroitin sulphate is a major constituent of cartilage tissue due to its excellent water-binding capacity. Its water-binding capacity ensures the mechanical-elastic properties of cartilage.
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(with Beta 1.3-1.6 glucan content)
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185 mg
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An immune-boosting ingredient containing medicinal mushrooms concentrates that, in addition to its general immune-boosting effects, accelerates the rebuilding process and provides the body with protection to prevent cartilage wear and tear.
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185 mg
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Thanks to its antioxidant action, it helps protect cells and supports the immune system. It slows down the ageing of cells, helps protect the body’s connective tissue fibres, inhibits wrinkling and preserves the skin’s water content. Its production decreases with age and external supplementation is recommended.
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Protein obtained from hydrolyzed eggshell membrane (ESM)
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100 mg
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If either, it is one of the key active ingredients in K9 FullFlex™. It is produced by hydrolysis from a thin rubbery membrane on the inner wall of the eggshell for improved bioavailability. This protein solution has unique properties that make it one of the most important ingredients in the product, responsible for healthy joints. Among other things, the high ESM content (100 mg per wafer) distinguishes K9 FullFlex™ from similar products.
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Turmeric
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90 mg
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Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a popular ingredient in joint care products, but its antioxidant content and immune-boosting effects are not negligible.
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| Boswellia serrata extract |
70 mg
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It is a natural NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) pain reliever. It acts on the same receptors as morphine, making it an immediate, long-lasting and powerful pain reliever. And it’s completely safe!
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Bovine (milk) immune protein concentrate Colostrum
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25 mg
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Piper nigrum
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10 mg
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It can help reduce joint inflammation and muscle stiffness.
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As well as
Calcium propionate, linseed, glycerin, lecithin, arrowroot, rosemary extract, vegetable oils and flavoring.
Contains eggs and milk!
