CHONDROPROTECTED

Essential elements for a correct skeletal development of our dogs, chondroprotectors are still little known to all those who approach the world of the English bulldog for the first time. In this short article we will therefore try to explain their indispensable function, their main components and we will indicate which are the most available on the market. The skeletal development of the English bulldog has a particular characteristic: in the first months of the dog's life you can in fact witness a truly exceptional skeletal / joint growth and above all disproportionate in relation to their age. This sudden development of the bones is the cause of a high weight load on the joints of our dogs which can often manifest symptoms such as recurrent pain and lameness during the first year of life. It is in this clinical picture that veterinary chondroprotectors play a fundamental role, which "are nothing more than food supplements that promote the prevention of damage to the cartilage and joints of our bulldogs by providing the body with the necessary elements for their maintenance and repair. ". The main chondroprotectors on the market are divided into two categories: those with cartilage derivation (including chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine) and those with marine derivation (chitosan, Perna canaliculus extract and shark cartilage). Cartilage-derived chondroprotectors - Chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance that is naturally present in cartilage; it has the task of "lubricating the joints" effectively hindering the degeneration process. - Glucosamine is a natural compound that the body derives from glucose (it is present in the joints, tendons, muscles, synovial fluid ...) and its main function is to speed up the improvement of symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Marine-derived chondroprotectors - Chitosan is a natural preparation extracted from the shell of marine crustaceans (in particular crabs and shrimps); each molecule of chitosan contains about 5000 units of glucosamine. - Perna canaliculus is a mollusk from New Zealand, its extract has great anti-inflammatory properties and provides those nutrients (glycosaminoglycans, amino acids, essential acids, minerals, etc ...) capable of improving and preventing alterations of the cartilage - Shark cartilage is a natural anti-inflammatory useful as an adjuvant to limit pain and inflammation in all diseases of the joints, bones and ligaments. These active ingredients are commercially available with different compositions and different use of the various nutritional components, often in association with other molecules including above all vitamins and mineral salts. They can be used as monotherapy or associated, in the case of evident lameness and ONLY AFTER A VETERINARY CONSULTATION and visits and examinations of the case, with real anti-inflammatories. The most known and widespread chondroprotectors in the market are: -VMP and VMP joint -GAG Plus -COSEQUIN -CONDROGEN (not to be confused with CONDROSTRESS used for the joints of older dogs). of use which varies according to the manufacturer's indications. In fact, it is usually indicated to administer these products for 4/6 weeks with intervals of one or 2 months. In the case of the English bulldog, its exceptional and unique characteristics typical of the breed require greater attention to the joints; for this reason it is advisable to administer chondroprotectors CONTINUALLY and FOR THE WHOLE FIRST YEAR OF AGE of the dog or you can alternate different brands of these supplements (therefore different active ingredients) every 1/2 months of treatment.