September 17, 2007
Hip Dysplasia In Dogs
We recently received a very nice customer testimonial that stated Ocean Omega Fish Oil has helped their animal with hip dysplasia by strengthening loose joints and supporting growth and maintenance of connective tissue : heres her direct quote:
"I met you last month at Woofstock in Damariscotta, ME. I wanted to give you a testimonial about how well your product has worked for my 8 year old
Sheltie Sadie. Sadie has had hip dysplasia since she was born. I have treated her with glucosamine and condroitin since she was 12 weeks old. This winter
when we were having a particularly cold snap her hind end gave out while she was trying to go to the bathroom. We were both upset very much by this,
and I had to carry her into the house where it was warm before she could walk normally again. This happened several times. I mentioned the problem to
Aubrey at The Animal House and she suggested trialing your product. I was concerned that Sadie would not like the flavor, but she has shown no sign of
disliking it. I was also concerned that the oil would give her loose bowels, but that has not happened. Since using your product she has not had any
episodes of falling down. Sadie also has very dry skin and skin allergies. I notice that her coat is more shiny since starting on your product. Sadie also
has more energy and runs around more. I would highly recommend your product to anyone who has a dog with hip dysplagia. Thank you for a great
product. " Beckie D.
Who suffers from Hip Dysplasia?
Broadly speaking, hip dysplasia (a malformed hip socket) strikes generally in larger breeds of dogs although not exclusively with them. This excessive movement in the affected joint caused calcium deposits, chronic inflammation problems and this all adds to greater degeneration in the joint. It is interesting to note that this condition is not present at birth; it develops in the puppy stage.
There is also some controversy about what causes hip dysplasia. Some say it is genetic but this is not conclusive. In fact, a closer reading of the literature reveals some other factors.
The issue with larger breed dogs is weight. And of course, the more they weigh the greater the problem is.
Our regular OO Notes blog readers know that I am a very strong advocate for using menhaden fish oil in dealing with hip dysplasia and other arthritis related conditions in family pets. The success reported by pet owners seems to bear the conclusion that it is a highly successful avenue to follow.
The reason for using a liquid formula menhaden fish oil is because it is much more highly absorbed than a pill or capsule form. In fact, clinical studies reveal that only about 800-850 mg. a day is required to be highly effective.
In reviewing the clinical studies, it is interesting to note that researchers have also implicated a Vitamin C deficiency in the development of hip dysplasia (chronic sub clinical scurvy.) If that is the case, then the theory would be that the hip forms poorly because of a weakness in the ligaments and muscles that surround the joint. For that reason, Ocean Omega Fish Oil liquid combined with a Vitamin C supplement, should provide optimum results
Prevention
Since hip dysplasia begins in early puppyhood, this is also an indication that you should not wait until you see signs of arthritis in your dog before using Ocean Omega Menhaden Fish Oil. Using doses appropriate to their body weight would be a good way to help the cartilage in your pet's joints now.
Diet
Pets that are fed as much natural food as possible stand a better chance against developing arthritis, as well as when they are coping with it. The more natural the food you feed your pet, the better off they will be in the long run.
What’s right?
I don’t think there is any “perfect” solution as to what a more natural diet should be for your pet. I do recommend that if you are using commercially manufactured foods, that you use caution as to what you buy.
Well now you are in my ballpark.
I have had large breed dogs for a very long time and dysplasia is always something that haunts us. My very first dog sold to me was dysplastic. Needless to say she was never bred. She also suffered and was euthanized at a much too young age.
I have always been very conscious of the possibilities of this condition and so have treated my dogs in such a way as to avoid this happening. It is not genetic. It, I believe, is a condition of poor nutrition subsidized by dog food companies, uninformed owners and people too busy to bother. That is my humble opinion.
My current Fabulous Nine have been on OO fish oil for about 7 years. They are also fed a diet condusive to dogs and not humans. They are raw/wild fed and when I do use a commercial food it is a very special premium high end food not sold in stores. In fact I just spent the last two hours making my own concoction for the next few days feedings.
You are on the money with the scurvy thing in puppies. Especially large puppies as they grow rapidly and leach calcium and do not absorb it well in this high growth period. This is why OO fish oil is so important at this time as well as their continued growth. Large dogs growth period is much longer than smaller dogs and so fish oil is vital during that time. Once the joints are well established then keeping them healthy because of the extreme activity of large dogs fish oil again is something that is to be continued. In the wild dogs fish for themselves and there is a reason for it. Nature requires fish oil to keep them healthy.
Weight is another issue in that an obese dog is putting too much pressure on its joints and so keeping a dog at a good weight is again important. A spayed or neutered dog tends to put on weight but it is easily controlled by monitoring their food intake. Its not so much the quantity as the quality. Dogs like junk food just like we do. They can have healthy treats, apple slices, yogurt instead of ice cream (horror) and cottage cheese, a chunk of raw meat, etc. They only eat what we give them so it is our responsibility to make sure that what we are giving them is good. Pizza crust is not in that category.
From puppyhood to adult to senior a dog needs OO fish oil. Much like Vitamin E it is a wonder product. It is so easy, not expensive and has so many wonderful effects on our pooches that it seems like not doing it makes very little sense. Shiny coat, loose joints and a big smile with fish breath makes for a happy long lived dog.
Posted by
BarbaraSeptember 17, 2007 08:13 PM
We believe in OO fish oil for all dogs, in any life stage, so its no wonder I recommended it to Beckie for Sadie (who is such a sweet little Sheltie!!!). Fish oil has such wonderful anti-inflammatory qualities, with none of the side effects. We have had great success with recommending the fish oil for arthritis, allergies, hot spots, kidney disease and shedding...even in assisting as a hairball remedy for cats!
In our own experience, we saw a huge difference in our 15 yr old Walker hound, Molly. We adopted Molly at age 12, after she had been tied outside her entire life. Her back end was very week, and she had kidney disease. We have seen nothing short of a miracle with her. Her arthritis has improved, her kidney disease has improved, her coat is wonderful, and she LOVES it. Now we feed it to all our dogs, at every life stage.
I know I sound like a broken record, but I must echo Barbara's remarks. OO fish oil for everyone.
Aubrey
PS So many of our clients were thrilled to see you guys at Woofstock!
Posted by
Aubrey MartinSeptember 17, 2007 09:52 PM
Wow-Thanks Barbara and Aubrey for sharing both your boundless knowledge of pets, and your individual success stories of utilizing our OO Fish oil for your own pets as well.
BH
Ocean Omega
Promoting Good Health In ALL Pets!
www.oceanomega.com
Posted by
BillSeptember 18, 2007 01:25 AM
Bill: I did not want to clog your blog (how do you like that one) with technical details. You presented it nicely and your information is always correct and well thought out.
Aubrey: Our family also has an ageing Shelti with health problems and the OO oil has made her life much better. B
Posted by
BarbaraSeptember 18, 2007 09:22 AM
Hi Barbara,
You are also a poet, and don't know it LOL!
I have stated many times, I want your frequent participation in this blog, all facets of your opinions and knowledge, both in laymans terms and technical assessments.
I am also glad that you have reached out so openly to my fellow readers of this OO blog, such as Aubrey and extended an open invite to many others to feel free to contact you directly.
This is one of the key objectives of mine in writing this blog, to encourage you ALL to communicate with each other, especially in this forum. I feel you all have valuable knowledge and first hand experiences that will be found beneficial to us all as pet owners and animal lovers.
Please continue to speak your mind and voice your opinions ALL of my subject matter. I try to use due diligence in both my research and in items that I convey in this OO blog.
I want your reminders as to whether I am staying on course with relevant information ALWAYS!
Thanks,
Bill
Posted by
BillSeptember 18, 2007 10:49 AM
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