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A degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive destruction of normal articular cartilage and subchondral bone, osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 20% of all dogs aged one year and older and typically presents as pain and lameness. Perhaps less widely known is that cats also suffer from OA: 90% of cats older than 7 years show X-ray evidence of joint degeneration, resulting in a reluctance or inability to jump, reduced mobility, difficulties in sharpening their claws and increased irritability when touched.

Likewise, there is also a high incidence of OA among horses. More than 60% of equine lameness stems from OA. It can occur early on in sports horses or later in aging animals. Risk factors include abnormal physical stress levels, joint congruence changes, fractures and microfractures in subchondral bone. The consequences for the pets affected are pain and reduced joint mobility, which results in lameness or stiffness and leads to a reduced quality of life. It is, therefore, important to identify and manage the disease effectively.

Given that many pet owners would do everything they can to help their domestic companions to stay physically mobile and healthy, GELITA has developed an innovative ingredient for the regeneration of joint cartilage of animals. The specially optimized Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) in PETAGILE^® promote joint cartilage growth and thereby counteract the wear on joints caused by aging and excess load. As such, oral supplementation with PETAGILE^® can contribute to the maintenance of joint health and keep pets mobile for longer.

In fact, the effect of PETAGILE^® has been studied in several preclinical and clinical trials. Taken orally, PETAGILE^®is partially absorbed as intact peptides. These Bioactive Collagen Peptides stimulate the cartilage cells (chondrocytes) to increase the production of new cartilage matrix (collagen and proteoglycans), which acts as a buffer between bones.

To assess the efficacy of orally administered PETAGILE^® in senior dogs with OA, 22 medium-sized animals without discrimination by sex, age, weight or breed were included in an observational study and treated with 5 g of PETAGILE^® per day (administered in regular dog food for a period of 12 weeks). Based on the trial results, it was concluded that the oral administration of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) has beneficial effects on OA in dogs and contributes generally to the maintenance of joint health in preserving mobility and the quality of life.

In further research, the impact of specific collagen peptides (PETAGILE^®) on cartilage metabolism was tested in canine chondrocytes. In addition to the biosynthesis of various matrix molecules (type II collagen, aggrecan and elastin), the RNA profile of inflammatory cytokines and degenerative matrix molecules was also examined.

The results clearly showed that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides reduced catabolic processes, as indicated by a statistically significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines and proteases in canine chondrocytes compared with untreated control experiments. In addition, a statistically significantly enhanced biosynthesis of type II collagen, elastin and aggrecan was observed.

The oral administration of PETAGILE^® has beneficial effects on dog mobility and generally contributes to the maintenance of joint health in preserving flexibility and quality of life. In elderly animals, for example, it increases activity, promotes mobility and flexibility, and augments well-being. In active animals, it supports mobility and flexibility, optimizes joint health, function and comfort, and increases performance.

Furthermore, PETAGILE^® exhibits excellent solubility, is easy to formulate and contains no fat, purines, cholesterol, additives, colorants or synthetic aromas. And, in a palatability test with dogs, PETAGILE^® showed great acceptance.

Looking to enter the pet well-being market with a bone or joint health product and need some advice? Contact us today for the solutions you Need.