Maker of Cosequin Reminds Pet Owners to watch Fido and Fluffy for Signs of Poor Joint Health

Has your cat had trouble lately jumping on the counter? Does your dog just lie there when you throw a ball rather than chase after it? If so, your pet could be suffering from achy and stiff joints. During National Be Kind to Your Pet Week May 5-11, Nutramax Laboratories, the maker of CosequinÒ, a patented, scientifically researched glucosamine/chondroitin nutritional supplement dispensed by thousands of veterinarians to help dogs, cats and horses maintain healthy joints, is reminding pet owners to check their pet for signs of hip and joint problems.

As dogs and cats age, it is common for their joints to become less flexible, impacting their mobility and quality of life. Pet owners may have noticed that while their pet used to be eager to play, he or she is content to rest. Even at younger ages some pets are subject to joint health concerns that affect flexibility and mobility. Pet owners should watch their animals for behavioral changes and symptoms of the joint problems including:

• Apparent stiffness
• Limping or favoring a limb (especially after sleeping or resting)
• The inability to rise
• A reluctance to jump
• A reluctance to climb stairsJonathan Kaufman, DVM, Chief of Staff at Eastern

Animal Hospital in Baltimore, said that in addition to skin and gastrointestinal problems, joint problems are one of he most common reasons pet owners bring their animals to the hospital.

“Eastern Animal Hospital routinely advises the use of Cosequin to help reduce additional damage and pain in our patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, in the general treatment of degenerative joint disease and as a preventative for very athletic pets,” Dr. Kaufman said.

Joint pain is very common in many of the larger breeds of dogs and as all dogs age, they can experience a degeneration of the smooth cartilage that protects the bony surface of their joints. Cats see many of the same problems as dogs. In fact, a recent study from Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that 9 out of 10 cats over the age of 12 have joint problems.

The supplement works by maintaining the structure of a dog or cat’s joint-cartilage and by slowing the enzymes that attack cartilage. Cosequin is the #1 Vet Recommended Oral Joint Health Supplement* and has been prescribed for dogs, cats and horses since 1992. It was the subject of positive clinical studies, the results of which do not apply to other brands.
“Early action is always the best advice. With regular check-ups your veterinarian can talk with you about your pet’s aging process,” Dr. Estelle Ward, a veterinarian at Eastern Animal Hospital, said.

Whenever you notice limping, stiffness, or a reluctance to jump, it is important to have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will advise you if Cosequin can help. Joint problems generally get worse with time. When your veterinarian recommends Cosequin, the sooner it is started, the more opportunity your pet will have to respond and return to normal activity.

* According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association