Why NSAIDs are not safe for canines?
Medications for arthritis in canines like steroids, NSAIDs and other pain relievers are similar to human medicines. These are very strong medications and have a lot of side effects after long term use. They can cause additional joint damage and breakdown, like corticosteroids react badly with other medicines given to treat arthritis in dogs. NSAIDs like etogesic, rimadyl, metacam and dermaxx have been specially designed for dogs, they are much safer than drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin. Even these doggy NSAIDs cause digestive system upsets and in some rare cases even kidney and liver dysfunction.
Why GLME is safe for canines?
The New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM), a shellfish found off the coast of New Zealand seems to contain the therapeutic agents needed to treat one of the most debilitating diseases of our time. Since its discovery in 1974, Green Lipped Mussel Extract (GLME) has now been subjected to more than forty years of quality scientific research and proven in laboratory and clinical trials, to be effective in treating both rheumatoid and osteo forms of arthritis. The reason for the benefit is that GLME contains anti-inflammatory agents, immune modulators and many essential building blocks – proteins, minerals, glycosaminoglycans and marine long chain fatty acids – all naturally occurring substantial therapeutic agents known to maintain joint mobility & well-being and needed to rebuild collagen, proteoglycans and synovial fluid found in the joints, ligaments and tendons. It is important to note that GLME contains a natural content of glycosaminoglycans. This is the name for a group of polysaccharides which includes chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate, hyaluronic acid etc. These glycosaminoglycans are used by the body for the biosynthesis of compounds called proteoglycans. The proteoglycans have a very strong affinity for water molecules in the joints, to which they bind, and form very large, slippery, space filling molecules. The function of these large combination molecules is to act as shock absorbers and also lubricants in the joints. Thereby reducing pain considerably, and that too without any adverse side effects of classical drug therapy.
