Nutrition Assessment in a Dog with Osteoarthritis & Obesity

Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. EPA and DHA, both omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are a commonly recommended source. Based on available data, a combined dose of 310 mg/kg^0.75 per day, with an upper limit of 370 mg/kg^0.75, has been suggested.^7,8 An acceptable fish oil supplement should include no greater than 50%-60% EPA and no greater than 40%-50% DHA.⁸ Because GI side effects (eg, soft stool, overt diarrhea) may result from fish oil use, this dog was started on half the recommended osteoarthritis dose, which is similar to a general anti-inflammatory dose of 125 mg/kg^0.75 (see Suggested Reading). If he tolerated this initial dose, increasing to the full osteoarthritis level could be considered. Doses are calculated based on IBW. It is also important to factor in the EPA and DHA content of the diet, as well as any other supplements, when increasing to the higher dose.

Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. EPA and DHA, both omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are a commonly recommended source. Based on available data, a combined dose of 310 mg/kg^0.75 per day, with an upper limit of 370 mg/kg^0.75, has been suggested.^7,8 An acceptable fish oil supplement should include no greater than 50%-60% EPA and no greater than 40%-50% DHA.⁸ Because GI side effects (eg, soft stool, overt diarrhea) may result from fish oil use, this dog was started on half the recommended osteoarthritis dose, which is similar to a general anti-inflammatory dose of 125 mg/kg^0.75 (see Suggested Reading). If he tolerated this initial dose, increasing to the full osteoarthritis level could be considered. Doses are calculated based on IBW. It is also important to factor in the EPA and DHA content of the diet, as well as any other supplements, when increasing to the higher dose.

Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. EPA and DHA, both omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are a commonly recommended source. Based on available data, a combined dose of 310 mg/kg^0.75 per day, with an upper limit of 370 mg/kg^0.75, has been suggested.^7,8 An acceptable fish oil supplement should include no greater than 50%-60% EPA and no greater than 40%-50% DHA.⁸ Because GI side effects (eg, soft stool, overt diarrhea) may result from fish oil use, this dog was started on half the recommended osteoarthritis dose, which is similar to a general anti-inflammatory dose of 125 mg/kg^0.75 (see Suggested Reading). If he tolerated this initial dose, increasing to the full osteoarthritis level could be considered. Doses are calculated based on IBW. It is also important to factor in the EPA and DHA content of the diet, as well as any other supplements, when increasing to the higher dose.

Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. EPA and DHA, both omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are a commonly recommended source. Based on available data, a combined dose of 310 mg/kg^0.75 per day, with an upper limit of 370 mg/kg^0.75, has been suggested.^7,8 An acceptable fish oil supplement should include no greater than 50%-60% EPA and no greater than 40%-50% DHA.⁸ Because GI side effects (eg, soft stool, overt diarrhea) may result from fish oil use, this dog was started on half the recommended osteoarthritis dose, which is similar to a general anti-inflammatory dose of 125 mg/kg^0.75 (see Suggested Reading). If he tolerated this initial dose, increasing to the full osteoarthritis level could be considered. Doses are calculated based on IBW. It is also important to factor in the EPA and DHA content of the diet, as well as any other supplements, when increasing to the higher dose.

All of the above components have at least limited published data in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (see Suggested Reading). Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Curcumin has antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in chondrocyte signaling pathways and can increase type II collagen synthesis. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are preferred substrates for glycosaminoglycan chain production and have anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects. Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables have anticatabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, and undenatured type II collagen contains high levels of glycine and proline, amino acids involved in stability and regeneration of cartilage. Although these compounds show promise in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, further research is needed, especially in regard to individual component bioavailability, safety, and efficacy.

All of the above components have at least limited published data in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (see Suggested Reading). Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Curcumin has antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in chondrocyte signaling pathways and can increase type II collagen synthesis. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are preferred substrates for glycosaminoglycan chain production and have anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects. Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables have anticatabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, and undenatured type II collagen contains high levels of glycine and proline, amino acids involved in stability and regeneration of cartilage. Although these compounds show promise in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, further research is needed, especially in regard to individual component bioavailability, safety, and efficacy.

All of the above components have at least limited published data in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (see Suggested Reading). Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Curcumin has antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in chondrocyte signaling pathways and can increase type II collagen synthesis. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are preferred substrates for glycosaminoglycan chain production and have anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects. Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables have anticatabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, and undenatured type II collagen contains high levels of glycine and proline, amino acids involved in stability and regeneration of cartilage. Although these compounds show promise in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, further research is needed, especially in regard to individual component bioavailability, safety, and efficacy.

All of the above components have at least limited published data in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (see Suggested Reading). Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Curcumin has antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in chondrocyte signaling pathways and can increase type II collagen synthesis. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are preferred substrates for glycosaminoglycan chain production and have anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects. Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables have anticatabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, and undenatured type II collagen contains high levels of glycine and proline, amino acids involved in stability and regeneration of cartilage. Although these compounds show promise in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis, further research is needed, especially in regard to individual component bioavailability, safety, and efficacy.

Any of the above answers are appropriate when a pet receives a supplement with caloric content. Manufacturers of orally provided oils, soft chews, and chewable tablets should be contacted to determine the caloric content of the individual product if not clearly declared on supplement packaging. In this case, fish oil was deemed an important component of the dog’s treatment plan, but it was suspected that owner adherence to the weight-loss plan would diminish if human-food treat options were not included. As the weight-loss plan continued, the dog’s human-food treat allowance was reduced, and the owners were encouraged to use a portion of the dog’s daily kibble allowance as treats to maintain an appropriate weight-loss rate. This allowed for maintenance of the higher osteoarthritis fish oil dose while still providing the owners with an option to continue providing treats via a controlled method. Alternatively, diets that already include this fish oil component as an ingredient could be considered for the weight-loss plan.

Any of the above answers are appropriate when a pet receives a supplement with caloric content. Manufacturers of orally provided oils, soft chews, and chewable tablets should be contacted to determine the caloric content of the individual product if not clearly declared on supplement packaging. In this case, fish oil was deemed an important component of the dog’s treatment plan, but it was suspected that owner adherence to the weight-loss plan would diminish if human-food treat options were not included. As the weight-loss plan continued, the dog’s human-food treat allowance was reduced, and the owners were encouraged to use a portion of the dog’s daily kibble allowance as treats to maintain an appropriate weight-loss rate. This allowed for maintenance of the higher osteoarthritis fish oil dose while still providing the owners with an option to continue providing treats via a controlled method. Alternatively, diets that already include this fish oil component as an ingredient could be considered for the weight-loss plan.

Any of the above answers are appropriate when a pet receives a supplement with caloric content. Manufacturers of orally provided oils, soft chews, and chewable tablets should be contacted to determine the caloric content of the individual product if not clearly declared on supplement packaging. In this case, fish oil was deemed an important component of the dog’s treatment plan, but it was suspected that owner adherence to the weight-loss plan would diminish if human-food treat options were not included. As the weight-loss plan continued, the dog’s human-food treat allowance was reduced, and the owners were encouraged to use a portion of the dog’s daily kibble allowance as treats to maintain an appropriate weight-loss rate. This allowed for maintenance of the higher osteoarthritis fish oil dose while still providing the owners with an option to continue providing treats via a controlled method. Alternatively, diets that already include this fish oil component as an ingredient could be considered for the weight-loss plan.

Any of the above answers are appropriate when a pet receives a supplement with caloric content. Manufacturers of orally provided oils, soft chews, and chewable tablets should be contacted to determine the caloric content of the individual product if not clearly declared on supplement packaging. In this case, fish oil was deemed an important component of the dog’s treatment plan, but it was suspected that owner adherence to the weight-loss plan would diminish if human-food treat options were not included. As the weight-loss plan continued, the dog’s human-food treat allowance was reduced, and the owners were encouraged to use a portion of the dog’s daily kibble allowance as treats to maintain an appropriate weight-loss rate. This allowed for maintenance of the higher osteoarthritis fish oil dose while still providing the owners with an option to continue providing treats via a controlled method. Alternatively, diets that already include this fish oil component as an ingredient could be considered for the weight-loss plan.

Maintaining an ideal weight and BCS has been shown to increase longevity by approximately 2 years and delay clinical signs and treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.⁹ It was also important to institute weight loss to improve this dog’s clinical signs related to osteoarthritis because his quality of life was being negatively impacted by his inability to ambulate without significant sling support. Once he lost weight, the owners reported he was better able to rise from a sitting position and that he seemed less stiff when walking. This is likely directly related to the decreased body mass, which caused a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and excess forces placed on joints and articular cartilage.

Maintaining an ideal weight and BCS has been shown to increase longevity by approximately 2 years and delay clinical signs and treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.⁹ It was also important to institute weight loss to improve this dog’s clinical signs related to osteoarthritis because his quality of life was being negatively impacted by his inability to ambulate without significant sling support. Once he lost weight, the owners reported he was better able to rise from a sitting position and that he seemed less stiff when walking. This is likely directly related to the decreased body mass, which caused a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and excess forces placed on joints and articular cartilage.

Maintaining an ideal weight and BCS has been shown to increase longevity by approximately 2 years and delay clinical signs and treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.⁹ It was also important to institute weight loss to improve this dog’s clinical signs related to osteoarthritis because his quality of life was being negatively impacted by his inability to ambulate without significant sling support. Once he lost weight, the owners reported he was better able to rise from a sitting position and that he seemed less stiff when walking. This is likely directly related to the decreased body mass, which caused a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and excess forces placed on joints and articular cartilage.

Maintaining an ideal weight and BCS has been shown to increase longevity by approximately 2 years and delay clinical signs and treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.⁹ It was also important to institute weight loss to improve this dog’s clinical signs related to osteoarthritis because his quality of life was being negatively impacted by his inability to ambulate without significant sling support. Once he lost weight, the owners reported he was better able to rise from a sitting position and that he seemed less stiff when walking. This is likely directly related to the decreased body mass, which caused a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and excess forces placed on joints and articular cartilage.