Cosequin - Joint Health Supplement for Cats - 55 Capsules

Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Cats plays an important role in maintaining optimal joint function. Healthy articular (joint) cartilage is crucial to joint utility. Cosequin helps support cartilage production and protect existing cartilage from breakdown. Cosequin is the only joint health supplement brand shown effective, safe, and bioavailable in published, controlled U.S. studies. Cosequin is manufactured following standards similar to those practiced by the pharmaceutical industry.

There are not many joint support options available specifically for cats. There are some products used in dogs that are not as safe in cats. Cosequin has been shown to be safe in cats. Cosequin, a nutritional supplement, safely and effectively provides joint cartilage support while maintaining your cat’s comfort level.

Some veterinarians also recommend Cosequin to help support urinary bladder health. The inner lining of the bladder wall is protected by a layer, which contains some of the same compounds as are found in cartilage. This layer prevents urine and the waste products contained within it from seeping into and damaging the lining. Since the low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate found in Cosequin is available to more than just cartilage cells, the bladder may use it to help support this protective layer.

• Contains natural chicken and tuna flavored capsules specially formulated for cats.
• #1 Veterinarian recommended brand
• 125 mg FCHG49™ glucosamine and 100 mg TRH122 chondroitin sulfate per capsule
• 9 out of 10 cats over 12 years old have joint problems, however joint problems can start at any age
• Cosequin is also recommended by veterinarians to support bladder health 

Cosequin for Cats

What is Cosequin for Cats?
Cosequin is a patented, scientifically researched nutritional supplement dispensed by thousands of veterinarians to help cats maintain healthy joints. As cats age, it is common for their joints to become less flexible which impacts their mobility and quality of life. You may have noticed that your cat is less eager to jump to her favorite spot. While she used to prowl and chase “prey”, now she is content to rest. Cosequin contains TRH122 low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride and manganese ascorbate. These ingredients have been scientifically formulated to support and maintain the health of your cat’s joints. Published clinical studies have shown that the specific combination of ingredients in Cosequin works together to maintain the structure of the cartilage in the joints while inhibiting the enzymes that break down cartilage. It is very important to note that the published clinical studies on Cosequin do not apply to other brands.

What is joint cartilage?
Cartilage is a slippery and resilient tissue produced and maintained by its own specialized cells. It cushions the surfaces where two or more bones meet to form a flexible joint. Cartilage, joint fluid, and underlying bone work together like a shock absorber allowing flexible joint function. Because cartilage lacks a direct blood supply, nutrients must pass into the cartilage from surrounding tissue. These nutrients sustain cartilage cells and provide the components necessary to maintain a healthy cartilage structure. Scientists are not sure about all the factors that cause cartilage breakdown; however, they have discovered enzymes that play a role in the process. With age, injury, or over-activity, this process of breakdown can exceed the process of replacement leading to problems in the joints. These problems result in less flexibility. That’s when it’s time for Cosequin which maintains the cartilage structure and inhibits the enzymes that break down cartilage.

How does Cosequin work?
The exclusive combination of TRH122 low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate in Cosequin works together to maintain the structure of your cat’s joint cartilage while slowing the enzymes that break down cartilage. Glucosamine hydrochloride acts as a building block of cartilage by supplying a key nutrient that keeps cartilage cells healthy and functioning properly. Chondroitin sulfate blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage. Manganese ascorbate is necessary to optimize the production of cartilage components. Cosequin has been used since 1992 in animals to maintain joint health. While the ingredients have been used separately, published controlled clinical studies show the patented combination of ingredients in Cosequin is superior to using the ingredients alone. On the label, different brands appear to be the same, but unlike drugs, the ingredients in supplements are not equivalent.

Why use Cosequin in my cat?
There are not many joint support options available specifically for cats. There are some products used in dogs that are not as safe in cats. Cosequin has been shown to be safe in cats. Cosequin, a nutritional supplement, safely and effectively provides joint cartilage support while maintaining your cat’s comfort level.

When should I start giving my cat Cosequin?
Early action is always the best advice. With regular checkups your veterinarian can talk with you about your cat’s aging process. Your veterinarian may discuss weight control and the administration of Cosequin to help your cat in her senior years. Whenever you notice limping, stiffness, or a reluctance to jump, it is important to have your cat examined by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can advise you if Cosequin can help. Joint problems generally get worse with time. When your veterinarian recommends Cosequin, the sooner it is started, the more opportunity your pet will have to respond and return to normal activity.

My veterinarian mentioned that Cosequin can be used to help support the health of my cat’s bladder. How does this work?
Some veterinarians also recommend Cosequin to help support urinary bladder health. The inner lining of the bladder wall is protected by a layer, which contains some of the same compounds as are found in cartilage. This layer prevents urine and the waste products contained within it from seeping into and damaging the lining. Since the low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate found in Cosequin is available to more than just cartilage cells, the bladder may use it to help support this protective layer.

How long does Cosequin take to work?
Since Cosequin is a supplement and provides nutrients to maintain your cat’s health, it works more gradually than drugs. Improvement using Cosequin can range from gradual to dramatic. Following the administration schedule on the label, we recommend an initial administration period of 4-6 weeks. Some cats may show an optimal response in a shorter period of time. The long-term maintenance level is one capsule every other day. Administration may be increased at any time depending on your cat’s needs.

Is Cosequin superior to other joint health supplements?
Yes. Cosequin, with its exclusive combination of high purity glucosamine, low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate, is the only glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement that has been shown safe, effective, and bioavailable in peer-reviewed, published, controlled, U.S. veterinary studies. Chondroitin sulfate is a large molecule that is difficult to absorb. Cosequin is the only brand that uses the high purity, TRH122 low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate that has been studied for absorption. Lower molecular weight means the particle size of the molecule is smaller and more easily absorbed by the digestive system than other less pure forms of chondroitin sulfate. While this highly pure form of chondroitin sulfate is more expensive, it is the only one supported by published, controlled U.S. clinical studies for efficacy, safety and absorption. Cosequin is manufactured in the United States by Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. following manufacturing standards adopted by the pharmaceuical industry. Each batch of Cosequin is subjected to stringent quality control measures and meets label claim, while a study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association showed that over 80% of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate brands did not meet their own label claim.

What about products that contain perna mussel?
Supplements that contain perna mussel (or greenlipped mussel) have not been subjected to the same type of research as Cosequin. There is no published evidence that the nutrients in perna mussel products have the same capacity to maintain the health of cartilage while protecting it from destructive enzymes. A consumer should be cautioned about buying a product unless the specific brand has been subjected to published, controlled, peer-reviewed clinical studies.

Are there any side effects?
Cosequin offers unparalleled safety. A safety study in cats demonstrated no adverse effects of Cosequin administration on blood work parameters, including complete blood count, biochemical and clotting values. Some cats may experience a mild gastrointestinal upset such as may occur when switching foods, but this usually will resolve itself.

How is Cosequin administered?
Cosequin Capsules for Cats contain a flavored powder. The capsule can be opened and contents mixed with or sprinkled over the food. The capsule may instead be “pilled” if more convenient.