Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Kara Keesling
June 24, 2009
With the emerging focus on canine wellness and disease prevention, the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids are a new, progressive interest in veterinary medicine.
Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
1. Anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body
2. Modulation of the immune system and its response to infection and disease
3. Positive effects on cell function throughout the body, from impact in utero to geriatric life stages.
What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 fatty acids are made up of long chain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These two essential fatty acids MUST be supplied by the animal’s diet from one of two sources:
1. From ingesting cold-water fish, such as herring or salmon
OR
2. Metabolized from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in some vegetable sources. It is an inefficient process to convert ALA to DHA; therefore the preferred source of DHA is from a dietary long-chain fatty acid source such as fish oil.
Why are Omega- 3 Fatty Acids important for my dog?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are necessary components of the structure and function of the cell membranes throughout the body.
By increasing the amount of EPA and DHA in the diet, we minimize disruptive inflammatory reactions within cell membranes. Additionally, DHA improves cell membrane stability and fluidity, and also assists the activities of many important enzymes within the membrane structure.
How will my dog benefit from supplementation with Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Since most canine diets do not provide sufficient levels of DHA, either directly or indirectly, supplementation is necessary to maintain sufficient therapeutic blood levels. ALA is inefficiently converted to DHA in the canine body. Additionally, a continuous supply of DHA is necessary as it is continuously broken down and eliminated from the dog’s body.
Dogs absorb DHA/EPA combination supplements very well, which results in increased blood levels of BOTH Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
How do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Assist in the Prevention and Treatment of Arthritis in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory response that leads to destruction of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Omega-3 fatty acids are converted to resolvins and protectins within the body, which are proven to halt this inflammatory process.
Scientists have recently discovered that incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into articular cartilage cell membranes results in a dose dependent reduction in the expression and activity of enzymes (COX-2) that degrade the structure of healthy cartilage.
NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which are prescribed for many dogs, inhibit the inflammatory process by blocking the degradative COX enzymes. However, these medications also come with potential side effects such as stomach ulcers, kidney disease, and liver disease. Omega -3 fatty acids are a safer COX inhibitor. If your dog requires an NSAID for comfort and pain control, the addition of an omega-3 fatty acid may reduce the discretionary NSAID dose by as much as 50%.
Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids benefit other medical conditions in the dog?
Yes, Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation is beneficial for the following conditions:
Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Chronic Kidney Disease, Heart Disease, Neurological Disease, and Retinal Diseases.
What is the normal dose of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for a dog?
50-250 mg. of TOTAL Omega-3 Fatty Acids per kilogram of the dog’s weight per day
(Proper dosing is necessary to obtain the stated benefits)
How do I know if the product is pure and free of chemicals and heavy metals?
When purchasing Omega-3 Fatty Acids, be a responsible consumer by investigating the purity and integrity of the company that sells the product. Fish from polluted waters can be contaminated with heavy metals (methylmercury) that will be passed on to the dog. Canine Arthritis Solutions endorses only companies with the highest of ethical standards in the production of omega-3 fatty acids.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
What is Arthritis?
By Dr. Kara Kessling
Put simply, arthritis is defined as the inflammation of a joint. By far the most common type of arthritis in dogs is “osteoarthritis,” or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Osteoarthritis results from the degeneration of cartilage in the joint due to injury, gradual wear and tear, or abnormal conformation that causes increased stress on the joints. The job of cartilage is to cover and protect the bones that make up a joint. It does not contain any nerves and can therefore sustain significant forces without causing any pain to the joint. However, when this protective cover is compromised, the underlying bone is exposed. Because bone does contain nerves, the result is significant pain and protrusions. As these protrusions develop and mover over one another, the pain and swelling associated with the joint worsens.
The most common signs of canine arthritis include the gradual onset of lameness or stiffness in one or more limbs, reluctance to climb stairs or go on walks, and pain and swelling note don palpation of the affected joints. These signs are generally worse in the morning or after rest, and can improve once the dog starts moving and “loosening up.”
Treatment of canine arthritis depends on the underlying cause. In the case of an injury, surgical repair might be necessary to stabilize the compromised joint. Because obesity often plays a role in arthritis due to increased stress on the joints, weight control is also an important component of therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications are often used to alleviate the swelling and discomfort associated with arthritis, regardless of the cause. Additionally, joint supplement can increase cartilage health and therefore inhibit the progression of arthritis.
Put simply, arthritis is defined as the inflammation of a joint. By far the most common type of arthritis in dogs is “osteoarthritis,” or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Osteoarthritis results from the degeneration of cartilage in the joint due to injury, gradual wear and tear, or abnormal conformation that causes increased stress on the joints. The job of cartilage is to cover and protect the bones that make up a joint. It does not contain any nerves and can therefore sustain significant forces without causing any pain to the joint. However, when this protective cover is compromised, the underlying bone is exposed. Because bone does contain nerves, the result is significant pain and protrusions. As these protrusions develop and mover over one another, the pain and swelling associated with the joint worsens.
The most common signs of canine arthritis include the gradual onset of lameness or stiffness in one or more limbs, reluctance to climb stairs or go on walks, and pain and swelling note don palpation of the affected joints. These signs are generally worse in the morning or after rest, and can improve once the dog starts moving and “loosening up.”
Treatment of canine arthritis depends on the underlying cause. In the case of an injury, surgical repair might be necessary to stabilize the compromised joint. Because obesity often plays a role in arthritis due to increased stress on the joints, weight control is also an important component of therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications are often used to alleviate the swelling and discomfort associated with arthritis, regardless of the cause. Additionally, joint supplement can increase cartilage health and therefore inhibit the progression of arthritis.
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