Amid cuts to the national scientific system, researchers from the National University of La Plata (UNLP) and CONICET are advancing in an applied project that seeks to alleviate chronic pain in thousands of dogs with arthritis.
The work is being carried out at the Veterinary Physiotherapy Laboratory (LAFIVET) of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, where an oral treatment based on shark cartilage combined with magnesium is being studied.
The magnitude of the problem
In Argentina, there are about 10 million domestic dogs, placing the country among the ten with the largest canine population in the world. The average life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years, and from the age of 7, they are considered elderly. At this stage, degenerative diseases such as arthritis appear more frequently, affecting mobility, rest, mood, and family routine.
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) involves progressive loss of cartilage, changes in the underlying bone, formation of osteophytes, and inflammation of nearby tissues. In simple terms: the joint deteriorates, hurts, and limits movement.
Encouraging preliminary results
The research, led by Dr. Yanina Alejandra Corrada, shows improvements from day 21 of treatment:
- Less pain and greater mobility.
- Recovery of behaviors such as walking, playing, and getting up easily.
- Ultrasound variations with increased cartilage thickness.
- Good tolerance and absence of clinical, digestive, or systemic adverse effects.
Why shark cartilage and magnesium
Shark cartilage contains phosphorus, calcium, chondroitin sulfate, and marine collagen. In human medicine, it is used as a dietary supplement to prevent or control chronic diseases, including arthritis.
Magnesium, on the other hand, is key for bone health and calcium absorption, as well as participating in cellular processes related to inflammation. The hypothesis is that together they can promote a healthier metabolic environment for joint tissue.
Risk factors and warning signs
Arthritis does not depend solely on age. Factors such as genetics, weight, activity, previous injuries, dysplasia, or trauma are involved.
Medium and large dogs —such as Labrador, Golden, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler— are more predisposed. Overweight is one of the most important modifiable factors: the greater the weight, the greater the pressure on the joints.
Warning signs include:
- Difficulty getting up.
- Stiffness when starting to walk.
- Less tolerance to exercise.
- Reluctance to run or jump.
- Pain when touching certain areas.
- Excessive licking and irritability.
Study design
The trial includes at least 30 dogs with a confirmed clinical, radiological, and ultrasound diagnosis of DJD.
The follow-up lasts 180 days, with two groups: one treated with the combination of shark cartilage and magnesium, and another control without medication. Clinical, radiological, ultrasound, and laboratory controls are performed at different intervals.
To measure pain, the Melbourne scale is used, which evaluates posture, activity, vocalization, mental state, response to palpation, heart rate, breathing, and general behavior.
Public science and social commitment
In a context of budget cuts, the project demonstrates the role of public science in offering accessible and safe solutions to everyday problems. Corrada summarized it: “Defending public science is defending our country’s ability to produce knowledge and transform it into concrete tools”.
The team seeks to consolidate clinical evidence, expand follow-up, incorporate biomarkers, and compare this supplement with other nutraceuticals. It is also proposed to collaborate with private companies to transform the research into safe and available veterinary products.
The innovative therapy with shark cartilage and magnesium offers hope for dogs with arthritis and their families.
Beyond the preliminary results, the project reflects how public science can directly impact the quality of life of animals and the daily lives of millions of households.
