The Great Dane - Breed Nutrition - Royal Canin

Synovial fluid
Synovial membrane
Cartilage
Structure of a joint
The joint is protected by a capsule lined by
the synovial membrane. This membrane secretes
the fluid necessary for nutrition of the cartilage.
After oral administration, glucosamine
and chondroitin concentrate in the synovial fluid.
Nutrition that targets
the joints
Nutrition provides substances that are vital to maintain joint health
and activity levels. Such as chondroitin and glucoamine, which
play an important role in the hydration and regeneration of cartilage,
and omega-3 long chain fatty acids.
Glucosamine + chondroitin sulphate:
a synergistic association to protect
cartilage health
These molecules belong to the family of glycosaminoglycans
(GAGs), natural components of cartilage. GAGs facilitate cartilage
hydration, which helps it play its role as a shock absorber.
They are also found in synovial fluid, which helps lubricate the
joints. Oral administration of glucosamine and chondroitin to
arthritic dogs helps to improve joint mobility (Canapp et al, 1999;
Johnston et al, 2001).
Glucosamine is a precursor in the synthesis of many cartilage constituents. After oral administration
it is concentrated in the joints (Davidson et al, 2000) where it stimulates the production of
GAGs.
In humans the first results are seen after 4-8 weeks intake (Pavelka et al, 2002; Braham et al,
2003).
Chondroitin sulphate tends to inhibit the enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation
(Basleer et al, 1998). Like glucosamine, it concentrates in the synovial fluid and the cartilage after
oral administration (Conte et al, 1995; McLaughlin 2000). Daily administration produces a cumulative
effect (Adebowale et al, 2002).
In vitro, the synthesis of inflammatory mediators is curbed by omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated
fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are found in concentrated form in fish oils
(Curtis et al, 2002). In canine patients with arthritis of the elbow, an increased intake of omega 3
fatty acids helps reduce inflammation (Hazewinkel et al, 1998).
Taurine and L-carnitine:
nutrients for heart function
Encouraging good heart contractility with taurine
Taurine is an amino acid normally synthesised by the dog from methionine and cystine, although
this process appears to be less efficient in some breeds.
Taurine represents at least 40% of all free amino acids in the heart. It is essential to preserve the
integrity of heart muscle cells. Cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs have been associated with
extremely low plasma taurine levels (Alroy et al, 2000).
Facilitating the supply of energy to the myocardium
with L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a substance that behaves like a vitamin and is found in concentrated form in the heart.
An L-carnitine deficiency in the myocardium may accompany DCM (Pierpont et al, 1993).
Whatever the cause or consequence of DCM, an L-carnitine deficiency should be prevented in atrisk
breeds like the Great Dane. The clinical benefits of supplementation have already been proven,
although several months of treatment are needed before marked improvements are observed
on echocardiographs (ECG) (Keene et al, 1991).
Combination of ECG results
and taurine concentrations in total blood
(average nmol/mL ± standard deviation)
24 25
Average < 200 nmol/mL < 130 nmol/mL
Normal dogs (n = 49) 247 ± 73 7 3
DCM dogs (n = 11) 184 ± 62 3 4
The taurine levels are significantly lower in DCM dogs than they are in normal dogs (ANOVA p = 0.02).
A blood taurine concentration lower than 200 nmol/mL is considered to be low. If the level is lower than
130 nmol/mL, the value is considered to be very low.