As we all know, pet dental health goes
beyond bad breath. Plaque and tartar
buildup can lead to more serious health
concerns ranging from tooth loss to
organ failure.1 Studies have shown dental
problems to be the most common problem
in dogs and cats.2 Dental problems can be
very painful, although our patients usually
mask their pain.When our pets receive
good dental care, they undoubtedly live
longer and better lives.
HVAC Replacement Process for Commercial Buildings Guide
Hartz Companion Animal - Home Care for the Veterinary Dental Patient
1. A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
DECEMBER 2003 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2
Home Care for the
Veterinary Dental Patient
Daniel T. Carmichael DVM, FAVD, DAVDC
Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery
The Center for Specialized Veterinary Care
Westbury, New York
As we all know, pet dental health goes • Systemic health. Professional dental treatment,
beyond bad breath. Plaque and tartar • Preexisting advanced periodontitis. performed when needed and under general
buildup can lead to more serious health The goal of dental home care is to (inhalant) anesthesia, is the cornerstone of
concerns ranging from tooth loss to control the accumulation of plaque and preventive dental health. On average, dogs
organ failure.1 Studies have shown dental calculus. Plaque bacteria can colonize on and cats benefit from an annual
problems to be the most common problem teeth in a period of 24 to 36 hours— prophylaxis starting at the age of 3, but
in dogs and cats.2 Dental problems can be within a few days following your each patient needs to have its dental
very painful, although our patients usually professional dental cleaning, the teeth are program individualized. For example, some
mask their pain. When our pets receive already starting to accumulate the feline patients will present at 8 months of
good dental care, they undoubtedly live bacteria that will again cause periodontal age with severe gingivitis and early signs of
longer and better lives. inflammation and disease. If nothing is periodontitis (gingival recession, furcation
In the vast majority of cases, the cause done to prevent or retard the accumula- exposure). These cats, with their juvenile-
of periodontal disease can be traced to tion of plaque, the periodontal disease onset gingivitis/ periodontitis,3 are already
the colonization of plaque bacteria on the process will continue. candidates for dental prophylaxis. Dogs
tooth surface. There are several factors (especially Maltese) with ulcerative
that can influence the tendency to Home Care: Where to Start
accumulate plaque: Dental home care for the veterinary IN THIS ISSUE:
patient starts at the veterinary office.
• Size. Smaller dogs are more at risk. Patients must be evaluated for the Home Care for the Veterinary
• Age. Older pets are more at risk. presence of dental disease and treated,
Dental Patient ............................ 1
• Masticatory habits. Pets that chew if necessary, prior to beginning a home Senior Pets and Joint Health ..... 4
and/or consume hard food are less care program. The fact is that 85% of Ask the Vet ................................ 7
at risk. dogs over the age of 3 and at least 50% of
Animal Health Institute Selects
• Breed. Certain breeds are more prone cats have significant periodontal disease Hartz for Membership ............... 8
to developing periodontal disease. that requires professional treatment.
3. Diet exert its effects over a 24- to 48-hour masking halitosis may not be addressing
There are several commercial diets that period. Chlorhexidine kills the bacterial the primary source of oral pathology.
have been scientifically tested and shown pathogens that contribute to periodontal
to significantly reduce plaque and tartar disease, halitosis, and plaque accumulation. References
as compared to “regular” dry food diets. Chlorhexidine is supplied as a liquid or gel 1. Wiggs RB, Lobprise HB: Veterinary Principles and
Practice. Philadelphia, Lippincott Raven, 1997, pp
This is not marketing hype—studies that can be rubbed on the gums or gently 186–187.
document significant reduction in the brushed onto the teeth. In chronic cases 2. Harvey CE, Emily PP: Small Animal Dentistry. St.
plaque index for the foods tested. Louis, Mosby, 1993, p 89.
of gingivitis, instruct owners to use 3. Williams CA, Aller MS: Gingivitis/stomatitis in
Specifically, these foods are Iams Daily chlorhexidine twice a week and regular cats, in Harvey CE (ed): The Veterinary Clinics of
Dental Care™, Hill’s Prescription Diet® North America Small Animal Practice. Philadelphia,
toothbrushing on the other days. WB Saunders, 1992, p 1371.
t/d™, Science Diet® Oral Care, and (only Other oral rinses, containing zinc 4. Lage A, Lausen N, Tracy R, Allred E: Effect of
for cats) Friskies® Dental Diet. With the ascorbate or chlorine dioxide, work well chewing rawhide and cereal biscuits on removal of
dental calculus in dogs. JAVMA 197(2):213–219,
incidence of periodontal disease so high for combating halitosis with their 1990.
in dogs and cats, there are few reasons neutralizing effect on malodorous sulfur 5. Stookey G, Warrick J, Miler L: HMP significantly
reduced the rate of calculus formation in dogs. Proc
why anyone would not want to provide compounds. It is important to realize that Vet Dent 94 World Vet Dent Congr:80, 1994.
a diet that promotes good oral health.
Chew Toys
Rawhide treats for dogs are readily
available to pet owners and are effective in
®
L™ A D VA N C E D C A R E ™
the control and removal of plaque and Hartz® Advanced Care™
tartar from dogs’ teeth.4 Rawhide is highly Hartz® Dental™ Enteric-Coated Aspirin
digestible and has not been observed Brush 'n Clean™ For Dogs
● Fluoride free. ● For the temporary relief of
to cause the digestive problems that ● everyday aches and pains and
Beef flavored.
conventional wisdom ascribes to them in ● Helps to remove tartar,
inflammation associated
numerous scientific studies. It has also been plaque and debris from
with arthritis.
● Specifically formulated to
shown that coating rawhide treats with your pets teeth and gums.
reduce stomach upset,
calcium-sequestering substances such as a common side effect
sodium hexametaphosphate can further Hartz® Dental™ of aspirin.
Breath-Strips™
enhance plaque and tartar reduction.5
For Dogs
Various types and designs of compressed ● Sugar free, alcohol free.
rawhide are also beneficial for promoting ● Easy to use dispenser.
good oral health. ● Dissolves quickly to
There are chew toy-type products that leave breath smelling fresh
are not recommended due to their and clean.
tendency to cause tooth fracture. 100%
Hartz® Pet Shoppe™ Dental™
nylon bones are too hard and often are Flavor Infused™
associated with slab fracture of the Chew-Dent™
carnassial teeth. It is recommended that ● Reduces the
pets not chew on tennis balls manufac- accumulation of plaque Hartz® Advanced Care™
tured for human sport, because they are and tartar up to 54%.
Joint Maintenance
● Preferred over the
notorious for causing attrition (mechanical leading competitor
● Vitamin enriched.
wearing of the tooth surface). 3 to 1. ● Specially formulated with Glucosamine
to help support healthy joint function.
Other Products ● Highly palatable.
Oral rinses, sprays, and other such ● Available for both dogs and cats.
products also have a role in home dental
care. When pets refuse brushing, these
products may be the only kind of home
care possible.
Chlorhexidine gluconate is an excellent AD-168
oral disinfectant. The chlorhexidine will
If you would like to receive a copy of the Hartz Veterinary Catalog, please call (800) 999-3000 x 5118.
actually bind to gingival tissue and can
4. Senior Pets and Joint Health
Erin Paster, DVM
Amy Kapatkin, DVM, DACVS
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, depression, lameness, poor grooming Evidence-Based Treatment
debilitating disease of older animals that habits, and inappropriate elimination It is important to emphasize that the
results in discomfort, impaired outside the litter box.9 radiographic severity of OA does not
ambulation, and diminished quality of life always correlate to the degree of symp-
in some patients. OA is defined as an Evidence-Based Diagnosis toms and thus the need for treatment.15
insidious progressive, noninflammatory Diagnosis of OA is primarily based on Treatment of OA is palliative with the
degenerative joint disease characterized clinical features, physical examination, goal of restoring comfortable function
by synovial membrane changes, peri- and radiographic evidence.2 Synovial and is classified as medical or surgical.16
articular osteophyte production, and fluid analysis and synovial biopsy may
degeneration of articular cartilage.1–2 rule out other causes of joint disease.2,9 Pharmacologic Agents
Although the etiopathogenesis is not Specific radiographic methodologies are Medical treatment consists of a
entirely understood, OA is a lifelong recommended to screen for predisposing combination of pharmacologic agents,
disease. Clinical signs may surface at conditions such as hip dysplasia. The weight management, and controlled
different times depending on genetic and PennHIP methodology has been exercise.16–18 Pharmacologic agents include
environmental factors. Despite the scientifically proven to predict suscepti- NSAIDs and glucocorticoids.16–19 Most
assumption that OA is an idiopathic, bility to hip dysplasia at 16 weeks of age but not all NSAIDs have analgesic and
geriatric change, other hypotheses exist; by measurement of passive hip laxity (the antiinflammatory properties, inhibiting
manifestations of OA may be caused by a greatest risk factor for the development the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway.17,18,20
humoral substance or systemic disease,3–6 of OA)10 as compared to other The development of newer veterinary
which may explain the presence of methods.3,11,12 This is supported by a NSAIDs (Rimadyl® [Pfizer], EtoGesic®
multiple joint OA in mature dogs.3,6,7 lifelong study of 48 Labrador retrievers [Fort Dodge], meloxicam, and Deramaxx™
OA is highly prevalent in dogs in the that revealed a 55% false-negative result [Novartis]) that are more selective for the
hip joint, representing 93% of the cases in when using OFA-type scoring to COX-2 isoform has resulted in fewer
one study, although the elbow, shoulder, diagnose hip dysplasia and thus predict adverse effects.17,21 Zubrin™ (Schering-
stifle, and lumbar vertebral joints are also the development of OA.3 The PennHIP Plough) is another NSAID purported
affected.6,7 Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, method was accurate in predicting that to inhibit both the COX and
osteochondritis dissecans, and cruciate these 48 dogs were susceptible to lipoxygenase pathways. The most
ligament rupture are common predispos- developing degenerative joint disease. common adverse effects in dogs are
ing conditions. Clinical signs in dogs Radiographic evaluation of elbows by an gastrointestinal signs,17,20 although renal
include stiffness, reluctance or inability to orthopedic surgeon or radiologist is and hepatic abnormalities can develop
jump or use stairs, and lameness, recommended to examine for elbow infrequently.20,22 In vitro studies have
especially after inactivity or prolonged or dysplasia and requires specific views for demonstrated that NSAIDs are capable
high-impact activity.2 Despite the well- observation of evidence of osteochon- of decreasing cartilage metabolism.20
characterized clinical signs and dritis dissecans, fragmented coronoid Steroids are potent antiinflammatory
manifestations of OA in dogs, cats process, or ununited anconeal process. agents that prevent prostaglandin and
frequently harbor OA and remain However, unless there are radiographic leukotriene synthesis.20 Due to the high
asymptomatic, contributing to infrequent signs of OA, only about 9% of elbow frequency of adverse systemic effects and
diagnosis.2,8 In one study of 100 cats, 90% dysplasia conditions will be evident on the potential for promoting cartilage
had radiographic evidence of OA even radiographs.13 Both CT and MRI scans damage with long-term use,20 some
though all cases were subclinical and are significantly better at identifying surgeons have reserved oral steroids for
diagnosed as incidental findings.8 Clinical these conditions, even in joints lacking short-term use in dogs exhibiting acute,
signs in cats include weight loss, anorexia, radiographic evidence.13,14 severe exacerbations of discomfort.23
4 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
® SM
• DECEMBER 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 2
5. Nutraceuticals weekly.31 Reduced-calorie treats can be function,35,36 it is difficult to determine if
Nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine substituted for table scraps, and calorie purported therapeutic procedures would
and chondroitin, have grown in intake can be reduced with prescription have resulted in a better outcome. Surgical
popularity despite the lack of scientific diets or limiting the regular food corrections of predisposing causes of OA
evidence to support their use. Glucosa- offered.17 Unsuccessful attempts at weight such as cranial cruciate rupture, however,
mine and chondroitin are purported to be reduction may be confounded by are recommended.
chondroprotective by providing cartilage endocrinopathies such as hyperadreno-
precursors, increasing cartilage corticism or hypothyroidism, thus Salvage Procedures
metabolism, and depressing collagenolytic necessitating further diagnostic Surgical treatments in older animals
enzymes.24,25 Although Cochrane reviews evaluation.17 A controlled exercise with OA are primarily salvage procedures
of randomized, placebo-controlled, regimen of regular, low-impact activities and should be recommended when
double-blind studies have shown can be a benefit by maintaining muscle medical therapy is unsuccessful or if the
glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve tone, joint structural integrity, and range dog’s lifestyle is severely limited.23 The
discomfort and improve function in of motion while contributing to weight femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO)
human OA patients,26,27 none exist in control.17,18,23 Trial and error is necessary and total hip replacement (THR) are
dogs. Anecdotal evidence in companion to arrive at an exercise schedule that standard orthopedic treatment options
animals appears promising, but further allows comfortable function without for end-stage hip OA.16 Pain relief is
studies are needed to prove efficacy. It exacerbation of lameness.17,18 A study achieved by the creation of a false joint
also remains undetermined in human using force-plate analysis in dogs without and the replacement of diseased tissues
studies whether different preparations a cranial cruciate ligament in one limb with synthetic implants. Arthrodesis is
affect efficacy or if glucosamine is safe for showed improved weight-bearing in also an option for eliminating discomfort
long-term use.27 Clients should be those with exercise instituted daily as of some joints, such as the carpus and
advised that individual patients will compared to dogs with limited activity.32 tarsus, although gait is compromised.23
respond differently to an agent, and trial The regularly exercised dogs also had less Elbow replacement surgery is currently
and error may be necessary to find the gross and radiographic evidence of OA.32 under investigation for clinical
product best suited for symptom control. application in veterinary medicine.23 Knee
Alternative Therapies replacement has not been clinically
Weight Reduction and Scientific evidence regarding alterna- developed for dogs.
Controlled Exercise tive therapies, including acupuncture,
Weight control and exercise massage, hot and cold therapy, electro- Treatment for Felines
modification are imperative to the therapy, and ultrasonography for OA, is Limited information is available for
success of medical management limited. A double-blind, controlled management of feline OA. Buffered
and must be continued study involving force-plate aspirin administration every 72 hours,
throughout life.18 Obesity analysis of dogs with cox- butorphanol, meloxicam, and nutritional
has been shown to be a ofemoral OA treated with supplements have been used for chronic
risk factor in OA gold bead implantation OA in cats.9 Alternatively, cats appear to
development in dogs, acupuncture failed to show maintain comfortable function and better
most likely due to the significant clinical improve- long-term outcomes with surgical
increased biomechanical ment over the placebo group.33 treatments such as FHO, probably due
forces sustained by the Additional studies are needed. to their small size.37
joints.3,7,28 This is evidenced by a
5-year longitudinal study of Labrador Therapeutic/Preventive Procedures Osteoarthritis Prevention
retrievers, revealing a significant increase There are currently no surgical Management of OA is best achieved
in prevalence and severity, and earlier treatment modalities in animals scienti- through prevention.34 It is the
onset of coxofemoral OA in free-fed dogs fically proven to reverse or prevent OA veterinarian’s responsibility to educate
as compared to paired littermates fed 25% development. Many procedures involving clients about OA prevention as early as
less.3,28 Weight reduction alone can result the coxofemoral joint are the focus of the puppy stage. Purchasing puppies from
in clinical improvement of lameness and considerable debate, and evidence-based reputable breeders that can verify the
gait as evidenced by studies using obese studies are needed to support these parents’ history is important. As the pup
dogs clinical for coxofemoral OA.29,30 claims.34 With long-term studies reporting matures, appropriate evidence-based
Effective weight reduction should result that >75% of dogs treated with medical screening tests should be instituted for
in the loss of 1% to 2% body weight management will retain pet-quality detection of elbow and hip dysplasia.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • DECEMBER 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 2 5
6. Weight management in dogs is the Pitman Medical Publishing, 1980. in dogs. Am J Vet Res 61(7):802–810, 2000.
5. Westacott CI, Webb GR, Warnock MG, et 22. MacPhail CM, Lappin MR, Meyer DJ, et al:
only proven method, surgical or non- al: Alteration of cartilage metabolism by cells Hepatocellular toxicosis associated with
surgical, to slow or even prevent OA. from osteoarthritic bone. Arthritis Rheum administration of carprofen in 21 dogs.
This evidence comes from the previously 40(7):1282–1291, 1997. JAVMA 212(12):1895–1901, 1998.
6. Olsewski JM, Lust G, Rendano VT, Summers 23. Medical therapy of osteoarthritis in dogs. Vet
mentioned studies comparing free-fed BA: Degenerative joint disease: Multiple joint Exchange:5–7, 9–11, 16–19, 1995.
(mean body condition score of 6) and involvement in young and mature dogs. Am J 24. Anderson M: Glucosamine and chondroitin
Vet Res 44(7):1300–1308, 1983.
limit-fed (mean body condition score of sulfate in the prevention and management of
7. Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al: osteoarthritis. Purina Nutr Forum:36–41, 2001.
4) Labrador retrievers.3,7,28,38 These Evaluation of the effect of limited food 25. Anderson MA: Management of osteoarthritis
studies revealed significant reduction consumption on radiographic evidence of with nutraceuticals. Purina Nutr Forum:79–86,
osteoarthritis in dogs. JAVMA 217(11):
in prevalence and severity of OA in 1678–1680, 2000.
2001.
multiple joints at 8 years of age,7 and 26. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP,
8. Hardie EM, Roe SC, Martin FR: Felson DT: Glucosamine and chondroitin for
hip coxofemoral joint alone at 5 years of Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic
disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994–
age,28 in limit-fed dogs as compared to 1997). JAVMA 220(2):628–632, 2002.
quality assessment and meta-analysis. JAMA
283(11):1469–1475, 2000.
those that were free-fed. Additionally, 9. Hardie EM: Management of osteoarthritis in 27. Towheed TE, Anastassiades TP, Shea B, et
the thinner (limit-fed) dogs also cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract al: Glucosamine therapy for treating
27(4):945–953, 1997.
required NSAIDs for symptom control osteoarthritis [review]. The Cochrane Library;
10. Smith GK, Popovitch CA, Gregor TP, Shofer The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews:1,
significantly less frequently and later FS: Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative 2003.
than the obese (free-fed) ones.38 It is joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in
28. Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al:
dogs. JAVMA 206(5):642–647, 1995.
recommended to maintain dogs at a Five-year longitudinal study on limited food
11. Fordyce HH, Gregor TP, Smith GK: consumption and development of osteoarthritis
body condition score at or below 5 (on a Correlation of OFA hip scoring to passive hip in coxofemoral joints of dogs. JAVMA
laxity derived from the hip extended and
scale of 1 to 9).38 distraction radiographs. Vet Orthop Soc Annu
210(2):222–225, 1997.
29. Impellizeri JA, Tetrick MA, Muir P: Effect of
Meet:2000.
weight reduction on clinical signs of lameness
Summary 12. Smith GK, Gregor TP, Rhodes H, Biery DN: in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. JAVMA
Coxofemoral joint laxity from distraction
OA is a disease that is well described radiography and its contemporaneous and
216(7):1089–1091, 2000.
30. Burkholder WJ, Taylor L, Hulse DA: Weight
in dogs and underdiagnosed in cats. prospective correlation with laxity, subjective
loss to optimal body condition increases
score, and evidence of degenerative joint
Evidence-based treatment options disease from conventional hip-extended ground reactive force in dogs with
include medical management consisting radiography in dogs. Am J Vet Res 54(7):1021– osteoarthritis. Purina Nutr Forum:74, 2000.
1042, 1993. 31. LaFlamme DP, Kuhlman G, Lawler DF, et
of pharmacologic agents, controlled al: Obesity management in dogs. Vet Clin Nutr
13. Snaps FR, Balligand MH, Saunders JH, et al:
exercise and weight reduction, and Comparison of radiography, magnetic 1:59–65, 1994.
surgical management, which mainly resonance imaging, and surgical findings in 32. Baird DK, Kincaid SA, Rumph PF:
dogs with elbow dysplasia. Am J Vet Res Unpublished data.
consists of salvage procedures. Using 58(12):1367–1370, 1997. 33. Bolliger C, DeCamp CE, Stajich M, et al:
evidence-based diagnostic tests to screen 14. Reichle JK, Snaps F: The elbow. Clin Tech Gait analysis of dogs with hip dysplasia treated
for disease risk and keeping dogs thin are Small Anim Pract 14(3):177–186, 1999. with gold bead implantation acupuncture. Vet
15. Whittick WG: Canine Orthopedics. Philadelphia, Comp Orthop Traumatol 15:116–122, 2002.
the best preventive measures. Lea & Febiger, 1974, pp 348–368. 34. Smith C: Treatments for hip dysplasia spark
16. Clark DM: Current concepts in the treatment controversy. JAVMA 201(2):205–209, 1992.
References of degenerative joint disease. Compend Contin 35. Barr ARS, Denny HR, Gibbs C: Clinical hip
1. Lepine AJ: A morphologic and physiologic Educ Pract Vet 13(9):1439–1446, 1991. dysplasia in growing dogs: The long-term
review of articular cartilage. Vet Orthop Soc 17. Martinez SA: Medical management of results of conservative management. J Small
Annu Meet:6–13, 2000. osteoarthritis in companion animals. Vet Anim Pract 28:243–252, 1987.
2. Taylor SM: Disorders of the joints, Orthop Soc Annu Meet:24–29, 2000. 36. Smith GK, Fordyce HH, Gregor TP:
noninflammatory joint diseases, in Nelson 18. Tomlinson J, McLaughlin Jr R: Medically Nonsurgical management of severe hip
RW, Couto CG (eds): Small Animal Internal managing canine hip dysplasia. Vet Med dysplasia: Long-term results. Vet Orthop Soc
Medicine, 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mosby, 1998, pp 6:48–53, 1996. Annu Meet:1999.
1076–1078. 19. Fox SM, Burns J, Burt J: Treating the dysplastic 37. Tacke S, Schimke E, Kramer M, et al:
3. Smith GK, Biery DN, Kealy RD, et al: Effects hip: The first steps to follow. Vet Med :701– Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint in dogs
of restricted feeding on onset, incidence and 708, 1987. and cats. Long-term results of the veterinary
severity of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in 20. Johnston SA, Fox SM: Mechanisms of action surgery clinic at the Justus Liebig University of
dogs: Diagnostic, therapeutic and genetic of anti-inflammatory medications used for the Giessen. Tierarztl Prax 25:373–378, 1997.
ramifications. Purina Pet Institute Symp: treatment of osteoarthritis. JAVMA 210(10): 38. Smith GK, Biery DN, Kealy RD, et al:
Advancing Life Through Diet Restriction:21–26, 1486–1492, 1997. Clinical significance of osteoarthritis and hip
2002. 21. Kay-Mugford P, Benn SJ, LaMarre J, Conlon dysplasia findings in the restricted feeding
4. Sokoloff L: The Pathology of Osteoarthritis and P: In vitro effects of nonsteroidal anti- trial. Purina Pet Institute Symp: Advancing Life
the Role of Aging. Tunbridge Wells, UK, inflammatory drugs on cyclooxygenase activity Through Diet Restriction:27–28, 2002.
6 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
® SM
• DECEMBER 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 2
7. Albert Ahn, DVM, is a veterinarian, Chief Scientific Officer
and Corporate Vice President at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
ASK TH E VET
Q
Which Hartz® products can be helpful for
medical management of osteoarthritis?
coagulation and pulmonary artery disease
secondary to heartworm infestation in dogs. Also,
low doses of aspirin have been shown to be helpful
A
Osteoarthritis is defined as chronic
inflammation of the joint that is usually
accompanied by pain and discomfort.
as an adjunctive treatment of glomerular disease.
• Glucosamine is an amino-monosaccharide nutrient
and is classified as a chondroprotective agent.
Chondroprotective agents are thought to aid in
Osteoarthritis may develop from skeletal
diseases such as hip dysplasia or can be the healing of cartilage, may stimulate cartilage
secondary to immune joint diseases or matrix synthesis, and may reduce enzymatic
trauma. This condition usually involves degradation of cartilage. Glucosamine is a
pathologic changes of both the articular precursor to the disaccharide unit of
cartilage and periarticular soft tissues. Pain glycoaminoglycans, which comprise the
associated with osteoarthritis is often due to proteoglycan ground substance of articular
irritation of exposed nerves that is a result of cartilage. Glucosamine acts by providing the
cartilage and tissue damage. regulatory stimulus and raw materials for
The following products manufactured synthesis of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage.
by Hartz may help in reducing your pet’s
Q
discomfort associated with osteoarthritis:
• Aspirin is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis What are the dental benefits of rawhide?
in dogs. Aspirin is an NSAID with analgesic,
antiinflammatory, and antiplatelet properties. It
inhibits cyclooxygenase, which in turn reduces
the production of prostaglandins and
thromboxanes. It is relatively inexpensive and
A Rawhide dog treats have been used for many
years to satisfy dog’s natural chewing needs.
Rawhide is high in protein and low in fat and
can provide the chewing satisfaction that dogs
readily available. The use of buffered or enteric- crave. Studies show that when rawhide is used
coated aspirin is recommended as it decreases the daily, it can effectively remove plaque. The
likelihood of gastrointestinal irritation. The abrasive action of rawhide chewing helps
recommended dose of aspirin for treatment of reduce plaque, calculus, and gingivitis.
osteoarthritis in dogs is 10 to 25 mg/kg. In Rawhide also provides the necessary chewing
addition, aspirin is used therapeutically in the exercise to strengthen gums and is a great way
treatment of disseminated intravascular to relieve boredom, frustration, or anxiety.
We want to hear from you!
• Have questions or comments? Call our Consumer Relations Department at 800-275-1414 and ask to speak to a Hartz staff
veterinarian or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
• To obtain a Hartz Veterinary Catalog of products, please call 800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • DECEMBER 2003 • VOL. 1, NO. 2 7
8. Animal Health Institute Selects
Hartz for Membership
The Hartz Mountain Corporation has a long history of interacts with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the
protecting and caring for America’s pets. They have been U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental
innovators in animal health, particularly in the area of flea and Protection Agency, the federal agencies responsible for
tick protection, and manufacture scientifically proven products. regulating animal health products.
Hartz was recently selected as the newest member of the Hartz, along with all AHI member companies, shares a
Animal Health Institute (AHI). deep commitment to providing high-quality products aimed at
The Animal Health Institute is the U.S. trade association helping pets lead longer, healthier lives. For more information
that represents manufacturers of animal health care products— on the Animal Health Institute, and for a complete list of
pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and veterinary medicines. AHI member companies, visit www.ahi.org.
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