This article is sponsored content brought to you by Hill’s.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and obesity are perhaps the most common comorbidities in dogs. Overweight dogs are prone to mobility issues partly because excess weight puts extra stress and strain on weight-bearing joints. Dogs with OA are also less able or willing to exercise, leading to, or exacerbating, weight problems. Complicating this relationship is the fact that adipose tissue is not inert, but produces a variety of hormones (adipokines) and inflammatory mediators which have detrimental effects on joint cartilage.
A hallmark study conducted in related pairs of Labrador Retrievers in which half were fed ad lib and the other half were fed 25% less calories for their entire life. At 8 years of age, the ad lib fed dogs weighed 26% more than the restricted fed dogs. Radiographic evidence of OA was found in hip joints of 68% of ad-lib fed dogs, compared to only 14% of restricted-fed dogs. Maintaining lean body weight over the life-span of these dogs also significantly delayed the onset of hip OA by 6 years. In addition to taking twice as long for arthritis to show in their hips, the dogs that maintained a lean body weight lived an average of two years longer!
The dilemma faced by veterinary teams when presented with both conditions is which problem to address first – weight loss or joint pain? Ideally, to achieve best outcomes for both dog and owner, we would manage both conditions together. Luckily we have Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight+j/d Canine which combines the benefits of two proven nutritional solutions: Hill’s Metabolic and j/d Canine, in one powerful food!
The nutrition of Metabolic Weight+j/d is clinically proven to work with each dog’s unique metabolic response activating the body’s natural ability to burn excess body fat and affect calorie utilisation. It is formulated with a proprietary blend of synergistic ingredients shown to activate a dog’s metabolism for easy and effective weight loss. Metabolic+j/d also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which work to interrupt degradation of joint cartilage, helping dogs retain joint cartilage as they age. Added glucosamine and chondroitin provide the building blocks of cartilage repair and high levels of L-carnitine help dogs metabolise fat while maintaining lean muscle mass.
Metabolic Weight+j/d provides nutritional support for overweight or obese dogs with concurrent osteoarthritis. The nutrition is clinically proven to improve mobility in as little as 21 days in dogs with arthritis AND reduce weight by 13% in 60 days.
Dr Delisa Appleton BVSc (Hons) PhD
Professional Consulting Veterinarian
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Please contact Hill’s HelpLine for references. Information in this material must be interpreted in line with and used on your own professional judgment and clinical experience
For specific nutritional case advice please ring our Hill’s Veterinary Consultation Service on 1800 800 733.
