Glyco-Flex is a chewable tablet nutrient supplement made by Vetri-Science Laboratories, 20 New England Dr., Essex Junction, Vermont, 05453. Each tablet contains 300 mg of perna canaliculus mussel (a shellfish found in the northern Atlantic\Canadian waters) in a base of alfalfa and brewer's yeast. The mussel in Glyco-Flex is supposed to act as a catalyst to help the abundant flow of synovial fluid in and around joints and tendons. This helps older dogs or very active dogs that are showing joint pain, as well as with healthy dogs to help prevent minor injuries.
The dose for dogs is one tablet per 15 pounds of body weight. It is recommended to divide the dose between AM and PM, adding them to food or giving them as a treat.
The cheapest way to get Glyco-Flex is through mail order. Here is one popular supplier you can get it from:
KV Vet Supply Co.
P.O. Box 245, Route 1
South Highway 15 and 92
David City, NE 68632
(800) 423-8211
$24.90 / 500 tablets
Another popular product is shark cartilage. Some information on this product: "For centuries, humans have been using the basil and ceratorichia cartilage from shark fins, trusting in its healing benefits for a wide range of maladies."
"Although conclusive proof is evading both the human and animal industry, there is a basic acceptance that shark cartilage holds anti-angiogenic properties. Angiogenesis is the process whereby blood vessels grow into the tissues of the body. Although associated with positive body functions such as wound healing and embryonic development, there are many diseases that are caused by or dependent upn angiogenesis (Lane 1993). Some of these diseases are listed below:
"In recent years, compounds from shark cartilage have found wide acceptance in reducing the pain and swelling of inflammation."
"In a study conducted by a DVM in Brussels, Belgium, 10 dogs were used, each of which suffered from severe lameness. A dried shark cartilage was administered with their food for three weeks as treatment for secondary osteoarthritis. No other drug, treatment or supplement was given during the test period."
"In a report at the 1991 Small Animal Congress in Manchester, England, the Doctor summarized that he quickly found dramatic decreases in the signs of the disease. The animals' lameness disappeared and their capacity for getting around obstacles improved tremendously. Swelling, pain and immobilization were negligble. Only two of the ten dogs did not show these dramatic results. The pet owners described their dogs as being more alert, more mobile, very happy and 'much more alive'."
"In all cases, when the shark cartilage treatment was discontinued after day twenty-one, the dogs reverted in large part to their original pained state within fifteen days. The Doctors noted that the main affect seemed to be against local swelling. A duplicate study was carried out with similar results (Rauis, 1991)."
Here are a few sources:
Nature's Pet: They carry shark cartilage powder you can sprinkle on your pet's food.
Puritan's Pride: (800) 645-1030. They carry both shark cartilage and green lipped sea mussel. The shark cartilage is in 740 mg capsules. It is freeze dried and pure without any additives. The sea mussle tablets contain 250 of pure extract of the mussel.
Sea Starr Animal Health: (800) 789-9028. They carry shark cartilage cookies for dogs, and guarantee that the cartilage is from non-endangered species. Visit them on the web at http://www.sea-pet.com.
Other sources:
Waggin' Tails: (800) 946-8245
Naturmix: (800) 825-1669
Jeffers Vet Supply: (800) 633-7592
Care-A-Lot Pet Supply: (800) 343-7680
Cherrybrook: (908) 689-7979