Glyco-Flex: Dietary supplements for animals with joint problems

Vetri-Science developed Glyco-Flex for dogs, cats and horses with joint problems. Glyco-Flex is available in three different varieties (I, II and III) and in several dosage forms. There is a suitable supplement for every pet (however “picky” it may be!) to fit its specific complaints.

Arthrosis (Osteoarthritis)

A joint consists of the ends of two (or more) bones that move correlatively together. The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage and are connected to each other by ligaments and a joint capsule. The joint cavity is filled with synovia; a kind of lubricant that ensures that the joint can move smoothly.

Cartilage consists of specialized cells called chondrocytes, lying in a frame of connective tissue fibres (collagen). Collagen is very strong, because the fibres are connected by a network of 2 types of glycosaminoglycanes (GAGs): hyaluronic acid and proteoglycanes. Because the proteoglycanes can bind water, cartilage is both strong as well as somewhat elastic. That is why cartilage is a strong and shock absorbing part of joints.

Cartilage can be affected by several things, like wear and tear (in old age), overstraining, hereditary disorders (Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia), infections, etc. In the affected tissues in and around the joint a (sterile) inflammation develops that contributes to the pain. Joint problems caused by damaged cartilage are called arthrosis (or sometimes arthritis). When the cartilage is severely affected, it can cause permanent damage to the joint, and permanent problems (like pain and difficulty moving) in the patient. When arthrosis is recognized  at an early stage, one can sometimes take measures to minimize the unpleasant consequences.

Joint problems: what to do?

If you suspect a joint problem in your pet, you should go to a veterinarian to ask for advice. Complaints caused by joint problems are: difficulty getting up, lameness, stiffness after a period of rest, unwillingness to move, pain (squeaking, relieving a leg), a reduction in muscle mass, etc. The veterinarian will examine your pet, and will probably make an X-ray. Although the joint cartilage doesn’t show up on an X-ray, the condition of the joint can be assessed by looking for excess bone formation in/around the joint.

Unfortunately, arthrosis cannot be cured. One should try to prevent further deterioration, and help the patient to function as well as possible. To achieve this, different measures can be taken:

* operation
In special cases (for example some hereditary disorders) the cartilage is so damaged that small pieces come off and lie in the joint cavity as loose fragments. These so-called joint mice act like a grain of sand in your eye; with every movement they cause pain. If the veterinarian suspects the presence of such joint mice, he/she will probably decide to remove these from the joint.

* optimizing body weight
When an animal is too heavy, the joints will have to carry not only the normal body weight, but the excess kilos as well. To prevent overstraining of the joints, it’s really important to lose the extra weight.

* exercising sensibly
Arthrosis patients must exercise on a regular basis. Exercise is important to build muscles around the affected joints. Try to exercise your animal while it is walking “in a straight line” and prevent excessive turning (as in fetching games with a ball etc). Walking  a dog 5 times a day for 20-30 minutes is better than once a day for 2.5 hours. Gradually increase the amount of exercise, taking into account the possible limitations of your pet. Consulting a physiotherapist for animals might be helpful.  Hydrotherapy (swimming under controlled conditions) is also a very good way to exercise your pet.

* pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
To decrease the (sterile) inflammation (this means inflammation not caused by bacteria or viruses) in and around an affected joint and to diminish the pain, the veterinarian may decide to prescribe a medicine. Very often this is a NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). Sometimes it is possible to relieve pain by alternative methods, such as, for example, acupuncture.

* food supplements
There are a lot of food supplements on the market for animals with joint problems. Most of them supply the building blocks for cartilage and synovia, decrease the inflammation in/around the joints and reduce the damage caused by free radicals that arise from the inflammation. The results of these food supplements are sometimes so remarkable that the dosage of the medication can slowly be reduced.

Glyco-Flex

For over thirty years, Vetri-Science Laboratories has been a leader in research and product development of high quality supplements for large and small animals. The veterinarians at Vetri-Science have developed Glyco-Flex; a supplement for arthrosis patients. The active components of Glyco-Flex proved to diminish sterile inflammation and reduce the severity of cartilage breakdown. Tests with Glyco-Flex on arthrosis patients show a significant improvement in clinical symptoms.

Glyco-Flex contains several active ingredients. The functions of these ingredients are as follows:

* DMG
DiMethylGlycine is a very strong anti-oxidant. DMG will help to neutralize the free radicals that arise from the sterile inflammation in the joints. Furthermore it stimulates the blood flow to the joints; in this way the building blocks for the cartilage can reach the joints more easily.

* Perna canaliculus (Green-lipped mussel)
Perna contains a lot of ingredients that have a favourable influence on the joint. Perna is rich in amino acids, minerals, Omega fatty acids, glucosamine (see: Glucosamine) and chondroitine. Perna supplies building blocks for the glycosaminoglycanes (GAGs) in the cartilage, regulates the inflammation and supplies building blocks and energy for the muscles.

* Glucosamine
This ingredient is very important for the production of glycosaminoglycanes (GAGs)  and synovia. Glucosamine can really help patients suffering from wear and tear of their joints and can also help during their recovery after joint operations.

* MSM
MethylSulphonylMethane (MSM) supplies sulphur for the production and repair of collagen. MSM diminishes pain and reduces inflammation.

* Manganese
The Manganese in Glyco-Flex is bound to an amino acid; this makes it easy for the body to absorb the manganese. Manganese is essential for the enzyme Glycosyltransferase, this enzyme is involved in the production of collagen, GAGs and proteoglycanes.

Glyco-Flex contains a few very important antioxidants, like glutathione, grape seed extract (OPCs), selenium and vitamin E. All these ingredients diminish harmful oxidative reactions and inhibit enzymes that stimulate inflammation.

For every animal a suitable Glyco-Flex variety!

Glyco-Flex comes in three different varieties: I, II and III. These varieties are of increasing strength and contain an increasing amount of active ingredients. Glyco-Flex III is the strongest and most extensive variety.

Glyco-Flex for cats and dogs:

Glyco-Flex is recommended for breeds with a tendency for hereditary joint problems. Glyco-Flex can be administered to young(er) animals to support the joint development and – health.

Glyco-Flex II is recommended for adult dogs and cats with moderate joint problems. Glyco-Flex II can also be used for working/sporting dogs. Veterinarians often prescribe Glyco-Flex II during the recovery period after joint surgery.

Glyco-Flex III offers dogs with severe joint problems advanced joint support. Glyco-Flex III is highly recommended for senior dogs that suffer from joint pain due to wear and tear.

Glyco-Flex I, II and III are available for dogs as soft chews and as chewable tablets. There is Glyco-Flex II for small dogs as soft chew and chewable tablet.

Glyco-Flex Classic (300 and 600 mg) only contains Perna. It is available for dogs as a chewable tablet.

For cats there is Glyco-Flex I as a chewable tablet and Glyco-Flex II as soft chew and chewable tablet.

Glyco-Flex for horses:

Glyco-Flex EQ for horses contains Perna. It is recommended for joint – and connective tissue support. Glyco-Flex EQ is available as powder and as pellets.

Glyco-Flex II EQ contains Perna as well as glucosamine, MSM and manganese. It is recommended to support the joints of  “seniors” and horses in need of moderate joint support. Glyco-Flex II EQ is available in pellets.

Vetri-Science: 100% satisfaction guaranteed!

With Glyco-Flex, the veterinarians at Vetri-Science Laboratories have developed a reliable product. Glyco-Flex has been tested and its effects have been proven. Vetri-Science is convinced of its quality and therefore offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the results Glyco-Flex offers, Vetri-Science will refund the purchase price!