Green-lipped mussels benefit arthritic dogs
diet have less problems with arthritis, according to a report in
the Independent.
A study in New Zealand has revealed that dogs fed on a shellfish diet have less problems with arthritis, according to a report in the Independent.
Scientists found that powdered extract of green-lipped mussels added to normal dog food has allowed animals to regain normal mobility after just six weeks of the treatment.
The results, which were presented last week, show that swelling and inflammation improved in four out of five dogs fed on the diet.
The green-lipped mussel was long thought to contain substances that can relieve arthritic symptoms. In New Zealand Maoris who eat them regularly have a low incidences of arthritis, but this is the first time the effect has been shown on animals.
Karyl Hurley, a specialist in animal medicine at the pet food company Waltham, said conventional treatments with anti-inflammatory drugs could cause side-effects such as stomach irritation, anorexia, vomiting and ulcers. "Managing this condition through diet is relatively new and much more holistic than conventional medicines," she said. "Vets and dog owners have embraced this alternative and have been thrilled with the response."
As yet scientist have not been able to identify the active ingredient in New Zealand mussels but it is suspected that a fatty acid counteracts the degradation of cartilage and bone in arthritic joints.
In a study in the United States involving 30 dogs with arthritis, scientists fed half of them with the powdered extract and the other half with a placebo. After six weeks, independent vets scored the relatively ability of the dogs to perform tasks, without knowing which had been fed on the mussel extract.
The results showed that around 50 per cent of the dogs treated with the mussel powder showed distinct improvements in their ability to move and the physical appearance of symptoms such as swelling.
Dr Hurley said: "We believe that caring for animals through nutrition is sensible and can avoid more invasive or expensive alternatives."
The powder is currently sold as a remedy for human sufferers of arthritis by a number of New Zealand-based health supplement companies, however, the recent findings are expected to lead to further research into the effects of the green-lipped mussel.
