This article is sponsored content brought to you by Hills.
Did you know that Osteoarthritis (OA) affects up to 20% of dogs over one year of age?1,2
Given the widespread nature of the problem it is common for vets to instigate multimodal management for patients with OA, not only because it appears to give the best clinical outcome, but also because of multiple factors that can worsen the disease. A multimodal approach may include medication, physical therapy, chondroprotective agents, weight management and nutrition.
A 2022 independent review looked at the efficacy of nutraceuticals commonly used for the treatment of OA in dogs.3 It found that the only nutraceuticals with convincing evidence for the management of OA in dogs were omega-3 fatty acids.
In high concentrations, the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), switches off the genes coding for the production of aggrecanases, the enzymes responsible for breaking down cartilage in arthritic joints. As such, EPA can help limit ongoing damage in arthritic joints, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. The benefits of Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d are demonstrated by four clinical studies conducted by Hill’s that looked at the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on dogs with OA. 4, 5, 6, 7
Most often joint disease stems from obesity, with 52% of dogs having concurrent obesity and OA.8 Obesity places increased strain on joints, and can increase the progression of degenerative joint disease. In fact, it’s a vicious cycle. Overweight pets are likely to be in more discomfort and therefore not want to exercise, which can exacerbate weight gain. That is why effective weight loss is important as part of OA management.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + j/d is a solution to these overweight canine OA patients. This diet combines the clinically proven nutrition of Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d4,7 and Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic9 into one powerful food.
For the full range of Hill’s Prescription Diet products, visit myhillsvet.com.au.
If you have any queries or require nutritional advice for a case please contact the Hill’s Helpline on 1800 679 932 or alternatively email them at hillshelplineANZ@hillspet.com.
References:
1. Johnson SA. Osteoarthritis: joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 1997;27:699–723.
2. Roush JK, McLaughlin RM, Radlinsky MG. Understanding the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Vet Med 2002;97:108–117
3. Barbeau-Grégoire, Maude et al. A 2022 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enriched Therapeutic Diets and Nutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis. International journal of molecular sciences 2022; 23,18 10384.
4. Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Dodd CE et al. Dose-titration effects of fish oil in osteoarthritis dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:1020-1026
5. Roush et al, Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. JAVMA 2010; 236:59-66.
6. Roush et al, Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. JAVMA 2010; 236:67-73
7. Fritsch et al, A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. JAVMA 2010; 236:535-539.
8. Weighty issues of osteoarthritis -https://www.banfield.com/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2019/banfield-pet-hospitals-ninth-annual-state-of-pet
9. Floerchinger AM, Jackson MI, Jewell DE, et al. Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015;247:375-38
