A new ‘doggy super food’ based on the use of New Zealand green lip mussels is set to bring pain relief to thousands of pets around the world, by reducing the inflammation and swelling in animals suffering with osteoarthritis.

The revolutionary food has been created by scientists at Waltham and is being made available to pet owners, as either a complete balanced diet that can be fed to a dog for life or as a supplement, through veterinarians in Europe, Australia, Japan and the US.

In US trials, four out of five dogs fed green-lipped mussels for just six weeks showed an improvement in arthritic symptoms, with half of the dogs showing at least a 50 per cent improvement in ‘total arthritic score’.
Osteoarthritis affects dogs of all ages but is particularly prevalent in large breeds and older dogs. It is estimated that as many as 20 per cent of the 4.8 million dogs in the UK suffer from the disease to some degree.
The debilitating condition is the most common joint disease in dogs and causes cartilage around joints to degenerate causing pain and discomfort. Symptoms include swelling of the joints, lameness, reduced movement and a reluctance to exercise. In the most severe cases animals may suffer from stretched ligaments, muscle strain and joints so stripped of cartilage that bones are exposed, causing severe pain and suffering.
For many dogs, the onset of arthritis marks the end of running and vigorous play and commits them to a sedentary life and a daily regime of pills.
Dr Karyl Hurley, Specialist in Small Animal Medicine, based at Waltham’s headquarters in Leicestershire, England, said; “Before now treatment has relied heavily on the daily administering of anti-inflammatory drugs. However there is evidence to suggest that use of these drugs may have adverse and distressing side effects including stomach irritation, anorexia, vomiting and ulcers. “Managing this condition through diet is relatively new and much more holistic than conventional medicines. Vets and dog owners have embraced this alternative and have been thrilled with the response.”
Waltham also advocates that dietary modifications are accompanied by the correct care and attention of arthritic pets, including providing them with soft bedding, giving them regular low impact exercise and ensuring that they maintain a healthy weight to avoid unnecessary joint stain.