What is Dysplasia?
Hip and elbow dysplasia are forms of deformity of the hip or elbow joints. It is an hereditary developmental disease that occurs during an animal’s growth period and can be apparent even in early puppyhood. While it is more common in large breed dogs, the fact is smaller breeds are not exempt and anyone owning a dog should become familiar with this condition.
Due to differences in growth rate of the various components of the joint, an ill fitting joint develops, poorly supported by surrounding ligaments and other tissues.
This leads to discomfort for your dog and almost certainly the gradual development of arthritis in the joint.
The condition is not always apparent at first, it can start as early as 4 to 12 months in genetically predisposed puppies, though symptoms may not be recognised until early adulthood.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Recognition of the condition can be difficult for inexperienced owners and so here are some signs you should look out for:-
- Stiiffness or lameness
- Lack of coordination (swaying and staggering)
- Reluctance to play, run and jump
- Difficulty when attempting to lie down or stand up
- Abnormal gait
It’s presence and severity really only diagnosed by X-Ray.
Managing the Condition
There are three stages of canine dysplasia – mild, moderate, and severe.
Whilst severe dysplasia usually needs corrective surgery, mild and moderate dysplasia can usually be managed by the owner.
Nevertheless there is every likelyhood that arthritis will develop in these joints as a result of the dysplasia.
Non surgical treatment is essentially the same as treatment for arthritis including:
- A weight management or reduction program. Keeping your dog at the correct weight avoids additional stresses on the joints.
- Nutritional supplements, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and to help support and repair cartilage.
- Sensible exercise to strengthen supporting ligament and muscles. Consider hydrotherapy as an additional activity.
Veterinary surgeons increasingly now promote the addition to the diet of green-
The reason is because green-
Many clinical studies in the past 25 years have confirmed what the New Zealand Maoris had known for hundreds of years. The Maoris would harvest the mussels growing naturally on the seashores and would eat them raw. Even though they saw the mussel as an important part of their diet, they did not realise the benefits they were gaining, until settlers in New Zealand later realised that these Maoris had far superior joint health compared to Westerners.
Our Flex Sprinkle Jointcare supplement has a successful track record, helping many owners manage their dog’s dysplasia
How Flex benefits your dog
Strengthens your dog’s own anti-inflammatory process, reducing discomfort.
Soothing and supportive for joints – promoting mobility.
Sprinkles provide more Green Lipped Mussel than Tablets or Chews.
250gm pack – £44.46 (incl VAT)
This will last a 25kg dog for up to three months
Will Flex Green Lipped Mussel Help My Dog?
You bet !
All the active ingredients used in FLEX jointcare have been clinically proven to support dog joint health in numerous scientific studies.
Is Flex Green Lipped Mussel Top Quality
You bet !
Not all Green Lipped Mussel is equal. Ours comes direct from the Farm/Processor in New Zealand and every batch is independantly certified.
Are Sprinkles Better For My Dog?
You bet !
Pills, capsules and chews contain 150-600mg of Green Lipped Mussel.
Just 1 scoop of Flex yields over 1000mg!
Don't just take our word for it....
See what owners say on Trustpilot, Europe's No.1 online consumer review medium
Why do Vets recommend Green Lipped Mussel extract for dogs?
The reason is because green-
For hundreds of years the coastal Maoris of New Zealand have eaten Green Lipped Mussels as a major part of their diet. The Maoris would harvest the mussels growing naturally on the seashores and would eat them raw. Even though they saw the mussel as an important part of their diet, they did not realise the benefits they were gaining, until settlers in New Zealand later realised that these Maoris had far superior joint health compared to Westerners.
Veterinary surgeons often now promote the addition to the diet of green-
Why do our dogs need joint supplements?
Dogs are a species whom we increasingly realise may need additional nutrients to maintain optimum joint and limb health; larger breeds even more so. The increasing use of dogs in sport and leisure activities such as Agility, Flyball, Cannicross, Dog Sledding and Field Sports is another factor that increases long term wear and tear on the joints.
How do you know if your dog is a likely candidate for joint supplementation and could use green lipped mussel extract for dogs? Perhaps you have simply noticed for yourself an uncharacteristic lack of enthusiasm for exercise, stiffness after rest, awkwardness mounting steps or jumping into the car. It really makes no difference if your aspirations were to shine in the breed ring, at obedience or agility or simply to enjoy a naturally active life-
What’s in Green Lipped Mussel that helps dogs?
Unique Omega 3 Fatty Acid - ETA
The Green Lipped Mussel possesses a profile of Omega-
Natural Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Flex Jointcare provides a rich source of all major classes of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) which are principle components of cartilage and the synovial fluid found in the joint. These GAGS provide flexibility, elasticity and tensile strength to the articular cartilage. Good joint health can depend on promoting GAGS content within the joint and surrounding cartilage. As a source of GAGS, Green Lipped Mussel can provide chondrocytes with Chondroitin Sulphate and essential fatty acids which are critical for maintaining joint health.
A complete joint care formula
Flex Jointcare is the complete joint-
How Do I Help My Dog’s Stiff Joints?
Stiff joints don’t discriminate. They affect not only people of all ages, but also our furry friends, too. If you’re a dog-
All the active ingredients used in FLEX jointcare have been clinically proven to support dog joint health in numerous scientific studies. We do not add unproven ingredients just because someone else may offer them. All the ingredients in FLEX have been carefully selected, based on the results of research that prove their beneficial effects on the health of your dog's joints.
How Can I Help My Dog’s Poor Hips Or Elbows?
The use of a supplement to maintain good hip & elbow joint health is recommended; especially in medium and larger breed dogs. Flex Sprinkle has a wide usage in supporting healthy hips or elbows in all breeds.
The natural glycoaminoglycans, vitamins and trace minerals all assist in helping your dog’s hips and elbows by supporting the joint and providing the specialist nutrition required.
You can read more about healthy hip and elbow structure in our articles section.....
Joint care and mobility in elderly dogs
As your dog grows into middle and then older age you can expect that life will take its toll on his joints. This is a time whern extra help from supplementation may improve his enjoyment and quality of life.
The production of common compounds that we associate with joint care (Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyalauric Acid etc) known as GAG’s (glycoaminoglycans !!) reduces in older and elderly dogs.
These older dogs therefore become more susceptible to joint problems ranging from just stiffness after exercise, -
GAG’s are present in the connective tissues such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Some types of GAGs attract water molecules, providing cartilage with extra shock absorption properties.
They also have negative electrical charges so the GAG molecules tend to repel each other, imparting a degree of resilience and further protection against trauma and physical shock.
Supplements like Flex are rich in these nutrients and can compensate for your elderly dogs increasing need for them.
Flex Sprinkle is a concentrated granule that is fed with your dog’s normal food. Each pot of Sprinkle contains a scoop that will measure 1300mg of granules, or if you prefer you can use a level small teaspoon instead of the measure, the amount isn’t too critical. There are 38 scoops in the 50 gm pot and 192 scoops in the 250g tub. Feed twice a day if possible by sprinkling onto your dog's food.
Because cheaper Green Lipped Mussel extracts have some of the fatty acids removed they are not as effective at reducing inflammation. Flex Green Lipped Mussel is full strength with no oils extracted. It is supplied direct to us from the New Zealand producer who farms the mussels, processes them and then has every batch tested by an independent body. The mussels are harvested at their peak once per year and the process uses cold extraction and drying technology.
Because cheaper Green Lipped Mussel extracts have some of the fatty acids removed they are not as effective at reducing inflammation. Flex Green Lipped Mussel is full strength with no oils extracted. It is supplied direct to us from the New Zealand producer who farms the mussels, processes them and then has every batch tested by an independent body. The mussels are harvested at their peak once per year and the process uses cold extraction and drying technology.
ace-canine healthcare
Animal Health Supplements For Dogs; We Believe Nature and Science Go Hand in Hand
© 2018 March Laboratories Ltd.
CAN WE HELP?
