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Frequently asked questions by Vets

Can NSAIDs be used concurrently with Cartrophen Vet?

It is generally safe to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) concurrently with Cartrophen Vet however, it is recommended that NSAIDs not be used concurrently with Cartrophen Vet due to their conflicting modes. Additionally, the pain relief offered by NSAIDs can lead to greater activity earlier than should occur given the progression of the healing process. The premature resumption of vigorous exercise can aggravate the disease. With severe pain responses between Cartrophen Vet and NSAIDs at one week following the commencement of treatment being similar (Smith et al., 2002), should immediate pain relief be required, a painkiller can be a better solution than the use of NSAIDs, which will not interfere with the healing process.

 

Can nutraceuticals and/supplements be used concurrently with Cartrophen Vet?

Nutraceuticals such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are a nutritional and not a therapeutic product and require daily consumption in most cases.

Cartrophen Vet is a DMOAD product that addresses the imbalances in the underlying processes of the joints. With a good balanced diet a nutritional supplement is not necessary.

 

Can I use Cartrophen Vet in cats?

Cartrophen Vet is not approved for use in cats but vets around the world use if off-label (cascade system) in cats for the treatment of arthritis following owner consent.

 

Can I use Cartrophen Vet in cats for feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)?

Cartrophen Vet is not indicated for use in cats, however there have been various journal articles published by Dr Danièlle Gunn-Moore discussing the use of Cartrophen Vet as a treatment in FLUTD.

 

Where can I get Cartrophen Vet?

This is a prescribed veterinary medicine, veterinarians can contact the local distributor in their country for information on buying or purchasing Cartrophen Vet.

 

How often should a dog be treated?

All dogs treated with Cartrophen Vet will require a minimum of 1 full course per year. It is also recommended an OA check-up be performed at least every 6 months after OA has been diagnosed, essential to monitor progress and keep the disease under control and in order to determine the best time to repeat. Treatment is based on each individual patient and the objective is to prevent signs from recurring by stopping or slowing disease development.

Veterinary experience shows that clinical response generally lasts between 3 – 12 months and each patient should be assessed on an individual basis. While it will vary from case to case, from clinical experience, below are approximate recommended regimens.

  • Mild signs - 1 course* every 12 months
  • Moderate signs – 1 course* every 6 months (or 2 courses per 12 months)
  • Chronic and severe signs – 1 course* every 4 months (or 3 courses per 12 months)

The veterinarian may vary this regimen to obtain the optimum reduction of arthritic symptoms.
* course = administration every 5-7 days on four occasions.

 

Is Cartrophen Vet manufactured from animal products?

Cartrophen Vet is of plant origin being derived from beechwood and is not manufactured from animal products.

 

Can Cartrophen Vet be used following surgery?

Yes, vets usually use it when the sutures are removed. Further discussion around the use of Cartrophen Vet can be seen in Cartrophen Vet treatment in FCP, OCD and articular surgery.

 

REFERENCES

Hegemann N, Kohn B, Brunnberg L, Schmidt MF (2002) Biomarkers of joint tissue metabolism in canine osteoarthritic and arthritic joint disorders. Osteoarthritis Cart. 10, 714-721

Smith JG, Hannon RL, Brunnberg L, Gebski V, Cullis-HiII D (2001) A Randomised double blind comparator clinical study of the efficacy of sodium pentosan Polysulfate injection and carprofen capsules in arthritic dogs, Journal of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, 9(b):S21-S22