Supreme Petfoods has launched Science Selective Joint Care - a supplement developed to support mobility and comfort in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.

Joint Care contains glucosamine, rosehip, echinacea, and vitamin C, and Supreme Petfoods says it's been developed in response to growing awareness of osteoarthritis (OA) as a significant yet under-diagnosed condition in small mammals.

Supreme points to a retrospective study which identified osteoarthritic lesions in 40% of domestic rabbits, with prevalence strongly correlated with age and body weight.¹

The company says that while definitive prevalence data in guinea pigs is lacking, OA is considered to be common in this species as well.²

Molly Varga, RCVS recognised exotics specialist, said: “Signs of joint pain are often subtle or masked in prey species.

"Proactive use of nutritional supplements like Science Selective Joint Care can help maintain mobility and may delay progression.

"Nutritional support, combined with appropriate husbandry and veterinary care, can make a real difference to long-term quality of life.”

As well as glucosamine, Science Selective Joint Care also contains rosehip, a botanical with claimed anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties and echinacea, which has claimed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity.3,4

Supreme says Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for guinea pigs and beneficial for rabbits, and contributes to normal collagen formation and may help protect joint tissues from oxidative stress.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods, said: “With 45% of pet owners now regularly purchasing supplements for their animals,5 the demand for clinically relevant, species-appropriate products is growing.

"We work closely with veterinary and nutrition experts to ensure our formulations meet emerging needs and Joint Care reflects that commitment.”

Available in 100g packs, Joint Care has a recommended retail price (RRP) of £6.99 and is suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.

https://supremepetfoods.com/products/science-selective-care-supplements

References

  1. Arzi, B. et al. (2011). A proposed model of naturally occurring osteoarthritis in the domestic rabbit. Lab animal, 41(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0112-20
  2. Keeble, E. (2021) Osteoarthritis in pet guinea pigs: an update on diagnosis, treatment and management. Companion Animal. Vol 26:6 https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2021.0010
  3. Schwager, J. et al. (2014) A novel rose hip preparation with enhanced anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects. Mediators of Inflammation, 2014, Article ID 105710. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/105710
  4. Johnson, A. et al. (2022) Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea contained nanoparticles on meniscal/ligamentous injury induced osteoarthritis in obese male rats. Scientific Reports, 12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-09380-w
  5. Supreme Survey of small pet owners, 2024

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.