Osteoarthritis is the most common health problem among dogs and cats of a certain age. 20% of dogs older than one year suffer from joint disorders; more than 95% of the cases occur in dogs older than five years old.
Limping is the main cause of veterinary consultation for dogs with osteoarthritis, other common signs of the disorder are immobility, refusing to go for walks, difficulties standing up, persistent limping, stiffness upon waking and chronic pain. It can develop gradually or appear suddenly after a minor trauma or excessive exercise.
The pain is due to the loss of thickness and quality of the articular cartilage, which progressively degenerates until virtually disappearing, with an inflamed joint capsule and bone reaction (osteophytes).
Chondroprotectors are dietary supplements that promote hydration and nutrition of the articular cartilage.
Chondroprotectors are composed of glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and sulfate chondroitin.
Glucosamine increases the synthesis of matrix components by the chondrocytes. The synergic action of the Chondroitin sulfate and Glucosamine enhances the effect of this chondroprotector.
Hyaluronic acid contributes to the correct maintenance of the synovial liquid, essential for regaining joint mobility.
Sulfate Chondroitin is one of the major building blocks of cartilage, together with proteoglycan it gives cartilage mechanical and elastic properties, contributing to the proper hydration of the cartilage.
Vitamin E works to prevent against the apparition of osteochondral disorders and limits the formation of free radicals associated with arthropathy.
The chondroprotectors are a product found naturally in the body and as such do not produce adverse effects. It is not medication and therefore does not require a prescription and is not necessarily sold in pharmacies. Unlike other therapies, it can be administered during prolonged periods of time without damaging the organism.
It can be administered to dog breeds with a high incidence of hip dysplasia during growth as well as older dogs that already present problems.
In dogs still undergoing growth the administration can start around 3 months of age until the end of the growing period (around 8 to 10 months of age according to the breed).
There are several chondroprotectors on the market. At Ortocanis, during 2024 and 2025, we carried out market studies, analyzed the existing scientific research on each active ingredient together with a specialized biotechnologist, and designed a new-generation chondroprotector. We sought the highest quality of the ingredients already available, but we added Omega 3 fatty acids, as studies showed greater effectiveness than glucosamine and chondroitin, and we included other natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Boswellia serrata and curcumin. We also added green-lipped mussel for its nutritional richness, type I, V and X collagen, and vitamins E and C to improve the absorption of the other active components.
You can find the chondroprotector for dogs developed by us in our online store.
