Vetroflex? Hydrolysed collagen joint supplement

Re: Vetroflex? Hydrolysed collagen joint supplement

Rob Loxley — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:22:28 GMT

[quote user="Malcolm Ness"]they almost certainly do no harm[/quote]

is it harm that people spend their money on supplements that do no good while the dog hobbles along with a condition for which we have good, proven, safe, effective drugs - often for less money!

Re: Vetroflex? Hydrolysed collagen joint supplement

Malcolm Ness — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 11:37:47 GMT

There is no convincing evidence that these products do anything other than enrich those that sell them.

However, there is an abundance of anecdote to support their use - almost as much anecdote as there was for firing horses tendons or burning witches at the stake. Many people believe them to be effective with a faith that is almost blind - as you say, they almost certainly do no harm so I tend to avoid any discussions on the subject. You always lose if you stick to the facts!!

Interesting references - I had not come across The American Journal of animal and veterinary sciences before. Not sure how its claim to be "American" stacks up and its impact factor of 0.47 is woeful, even for a veterinary clinical journal.

Re: Vetroflex? Hydrolysed collagen joint supplement

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 11:27:45 GMT

IME, some dogs do fantastically on them, some don't. So YMMV, as odd acronyms seem to be fashionable these days. Generally I've found that dogs with mild/moderate arthritis are likelier to find some improvement than dogs with severe arthritis - it's possible that it's down to the fact that when all the cartilage is worn away, there's not much for joint supplements to work with!

Half the time it's the owner looking to take an active part in the treatment, which is something I think should be well encouraged, because when they opt out of the whole thing compliance is a nightmare. You're right, it won't hurt. Will it help? depends on the dog.

A strategy I've seen used is to prescribe the joint supplement, and then an NSAID to use on the days the dog seems to be having bad days, and for the owners to track how often they're using the NSAID. (obviously with clear instructions on how often to administer and maximum dose!) Some dogs just need a little extra help on cold days, and some need more consistent pain relief. No two dogs alike, sadly!