Health care for humans and animals today embraces not only conventional medical diagnostics and therapy, but also places an increasing yet controversial reliance on natural supplements as adjuncts to or instead of the use of pharmaceuticals. A plethora of supplements is now available. The following article summarizes a few of these and discusses the pros and cons of their use as “nutraceuticals.”

Most of us by now are familiar with the use of supplements intended to act as building blocks and support for joints, tendons, and cartilage.

Glucosamine , Chondroitin
The most commonly used joint, cartilage and tendon support supplements contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs are mucopolysaccharides and form an important component of connective tissues. Several well-known commercial brands are available; most of them include glucosamine sulfate and some also contain chondroitin sulfate to help strengthen cartilage and tendons in dogs and horses (e.g. Glycoflex and Cosequin by Nutramax Labs, Adequan™ by Luitpold Pharm.).

MSM, Yucca, Cetyl Myristoleate
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring nutritional sulfur necessary for collagen synthesis and used as a dietary supplement. It is a major metabolite of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. MSM is preferred, however, because DMSO has an extremely unpleasant odor. The beneficial effects of MSM in dogs and horses include its relief of pain and inflammation of hip and knee joints. In addition to pain relief, MSM supplementation is stated to promote healthy skin, hair and nails.

Yucca root supplements have long been touted as a possible treatment for arthritic bone and joint pain, but there are no scientific studies to support this claim. Topical yucca is thought to help stop minor bleeding from cuts and scrapes. Because the saponins in yucca may be anti-inflammatory, it may also help to relieve itching and swelling from insect bites, sunburn, and other minor skin injuries.

Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) is a natural medium-chain fatty acid that acts as an anti-inflammatory, as well as a surfactant and lubricant for damaged joints and muscles. CMO has been used for patients with osteoarthritis, spondylosis or spondylitis, and back pain. It facilitates cartilage production, and functions as an immune system modulator.

ASU
Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) are promising nutraceuticals for treating pain and lameness from osteoarthritis in dogs and horses. There are several commercially available ASU-containing veterinary products on the market today (e.g. Avocado SOYA™ by Vetoquinol, Dasuquin™ by Nutramax Labs). While these products may not relieve pain per se, there is evidence of improved structure and reduced disease of affected joints, which then could result in less pain.

Chinese and Western Herbs
A variety of Chinese herbal mixtures are commercially available to assist with pain control and mobility (e.g. Mobility 2™ by Health Concerns). These can be used in conjunction with DLPA, discussed below.

Commercial mixtures of edible Western herbs are readily available on the veterinary market. One widely used Australian product (Dog Gone Pain, DGP), contains mixtures of herbs such as feverfew, celery seed, boswellia, bromelain, corydalis, cayenne, wheatgrass, turmeric, and shark cartilage. These products are stated to relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs.

Feverfew (anacetum parthenium)—a relative of the common daisy widely used to calm hysteria, control inflammation and reduce pain. Research studies have confirmed it to be a serotonin antagonist, and to reduce synthesis of prostaglandins, suppress leukotriene release by basophils, mast cells, macrophages and lung tissue, and lower production of thromboxanes which results in inhibition of vascular and bronchial smooth muscle contractions and platelet aggregation. Therefore, it should be used with caution in the presence of anticoagulants or NSAIDs.

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens) is used widely in herbal medicine for arthritis, gout, fluid retention, and to calm digestion and stimulate appetite. Research confirms its potent anti-inflammatory effects, that it reduces uric acid in the blood, and aids liver function by protecting liver cells from chemical toxins.

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has long been used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Recent research shows benefits in osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. It blocks production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.

Bromelain (Ananas comosus) is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes made from the stem of the pineapple, and is useful for digestive disorders and inflammatory conditions caused by infection or injury. It modulates inflammation by preventing the build up of bradykinins and kallidins that cause swelling, and
helps speed wound healing related to surgery or trauma.

DLPA
D, L phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and endorphin stimulant, used in people and animals to control chronic bone and muscle pain. It is also a mood enhancer. It takes about a week to build up the desired effect, and they can be used continuously. Dosing is adjusted for body weight of the dog or cat. A 50 lb dog would need 500 mg twice daily; a 10 lbs cat would need 50 mg daily as a powder sprinkled on food.