In the cartilage tissue of healthy dogs, cartilage breakdown and recovery are in balance. In the case of cartilage destruction, cartilage metabolism is upset and shifted towards degradation.
The condition of the articular cartilage is then determined by the quality and quantity of the intercellular material produced by the cartilage cells, including their water content.
If the amount of water-binding proteoglycans (glucosamine and chondroitin) in the intercellular cartilage tissue decreases, the cartilage loses water content, its elasticity decreases and it becomes more fragile. Inelastic cartilage suffers micro-injuries under stress, which can trigger further degradation processes.
The direct cause of destructive cartilage wear is not exactly known. But it is a fact that cartilage metabolism is disrupted in this case and shifts in the direction of decomposing processes. The proteins that cause inflammation, so-called cytokines can also play a key role in the process leading to cartilage destruction. Due to their effect, more of the substances that digest cartilage, such as collagenases, are formed.
It helps the functioning of the joints if the synovial fluid is sufficiently viscous, densely flowing, and jelly-like, so it can protect the cartilage surfaces from being damaged when they come into contact with each other. In order to protect the joints, it is also advisable to restore its healthy composition.
Cartilage wear and tear can affect all joints, but hip, knee, shoulder and ankle joints are the most common. When the wear starts, there are usually no symptoms. The most typical symptom is that your pet starts off more cautiously, not putting any weight on the limb. Musculoskeletal complaints can be prevented and treated with a little care. But however once they have developed, it is a long and tedious process to correct the condition.
Cartilage wear and cartilage protectors
To keep dogs healthy, we are trying to use more and more cartilage-protecting and cartilage-strengthening substances. These include glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, important building blocks of the intercellular structure of cartilage tissue, which are unfortunately not always available in sufficient quantities in old age. Replenishing them can be a key factor in both prevention and treatment.
Glucosamine sulphate
It is made up of glucose and an amino acid called glutamine, a precursor of the water-binding glucosaminoglycan, a key material for maintaining healthy cartilage.
Glucosamine also inhibits the activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes such as hyaluronidase, which can stop or slow down the process of cartilage degradation. It also improves the viscosity properties of the synovial fluid. It is administered in the form of glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetylglucosamine. The most rapidly absorbed form is glucosamine sulphate. When administered orally, 90% of the active ingredient is absorbed through the intestinal tract, of which about 25-26% is actually utilized, and part of this is excreted in the synovial fluid. Glucosamine sulphates also have a similar effect to classical anti-inflammatory drugs. Together with chondroitin sulphate, it also strengthens collagen fibres.
Cartilage wear: Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan and plays a key role in cartilage hydration and flexibility. Unlike glucosamines, chondroitin can bind significantly more water, making cartilage more elastic. When cartilage breaks down, its chondroitin and water content both decrease visibly.
Chondroitin sulphate stimulates cartilage cells to produce more proteoglycan and collagen, which helps restore elasticity. It also inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes and reduces inflammation, which slows down cartilage damage. In joints, it boosts hyaluronic acid levels and improves the viscosity of synovial fluid.
This effect doesn’t happen immediately. However, regular use usually brings visible results after 2–3 weeks. Once improvements appear, they tend to last long after supplementation ends.
Manufacturers typically extract chondroitin from beef, pork, or shark cartilage. After oral administration, the body absorbs part of the chondroitin sulphate, which reaches the synovial fluid.
Unity of strength
Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate work well in arthritis treatment, especially when used together. This combination improves joint mobility and reduces inflammation-related pain in mild to moderate arthritis. In many cases, they provide relief similar to previously used anti-inflammatory medications.
So far, no one has proven that these substances rebuild cartilage when taken orally. However, studies confirm their long-term protective role against cartilage wear. They reduce inflammation and protect the cartilage surface with consistent use over time.
Cartilage wear: Hyaluronic acid and others
Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in joints. It passes through the inner lining of the joint capsule, thickens the synovial fluid and participates in the nutrition of cartilage tissue.
Hyaluronic acid and similar substances can rapidly absorb, bind and release water. In this way they affect the viscosity of the synovial fluid, reduce friction and ultimately protect the cartilage. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects have also been observed. They are administered in the form of sodium hyaluronate, which is also able to penetrate the inner lining of the joint capsule. When injected directly into the joint, hyaluronic acid prevents further wear and tear, relieves pain, improves mobility and stimulates the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid in the joints.
Opinions differ on the effectiveness of cartilage protectors. What is certain is that they help to keep joints functioning properly, and they also have an indirect analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The fact that cartilage damage cannot be reversed, as far as we know at present, is a warning for cartilage protection!
For more information, read our article on arthritis or the benefits of green-lipped mussels.
Please, take a look at our cartilage strengthening products.
