Glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, are a group of natural compounds found in and produced by living creatures. They are in the chemical make-up of skin, cartilage, joint, organs, and other important tissues including many body fluids. Specifically, GAGs are chondrotin sulfates 4 and 5 (A and B), glucosamines, and hyaluronic acid. Known to be building blocks of cartilage , GAGs may contribute to the function of healthy joints and play a major structural role in cartilage, tendons, and bones.
Chondroitin Sulfate - A natural polymer of protein and disaccharides; is composed of glucosamine, galactosamine, and glucurionic acid; collectively, chondroitin sulfates make up a major portion of the GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) in cartilage.
Glucosamine - A precursor of hyaluronic acid and other GAGs; helps with cartilage repair.
Hyaluronic Acid - A principal component of cartilage; helps with inflammation and discomfort.
Arthritis stems from the degradation of the cartilage within a joint. Cartilage acts as a buffer between bones in a joint, and the breakdown of cartilage can reduce the efficiency of the joint's functions. Mild arthritis is uncomfortable. Severe arthritis, which can progress to bone-on-bone contact if the cartilage damage is extensive, is very painful.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis can be done by a veterinarian with a physical exam and can be validated with radiographs.
GAGs should be a part of a complete care program supervised by your veterinarian. There is no need to wait for the symptoms of arthritis to become pronounced before starting to use Jubilee Wafers because it works as a great preventative. It can even be started in young animals known to have a predisposition to hip, elbow, knee or shoulder dysplasia in canines. Any dog that has experienced severe joint trauma will benefit.