Ester C And Arthritis

[dog geek]

Hi guys

After seeing the thread on Ester C and arthritis in dogs, I did a little research - I have early onset osteo-arthritis, and have been quite restricited in my activities because of it.

Like, I have not been able to walk the dogs for months now, because my hips become so inflamed it is painful to walk, sit, sleep...

After doing a little research in to the Ester C (which is vitamin c in a more easily metabolised form than the usual ascorbic acid) I found one trial in Norway, in which they ran a double-blind test of the vit c and a placebo on dogs which were referred because of arthritic changes to the joints.

All dogs were firstly assessed - x-rays to establish arthritic changes in joints, and observations and scoring for degree of discomfort shown by dogs when moving.

After a period of months during which some dogs were on the easliy metabolised vit c, some were not, they then x-rayed all the dogs to check the physical changes in the joints, and observed for degree of discomfort when moving = and the dogs on the easily metabolised vit c were showing little to no discomfort!

When the later x-rays were assessed, they showed that the bone in the joints of these dogs was still affected by arthritis. However, the synovial fluid in the joints had increased - and so the conclusion was that the vit c was used by the body to produce the synovial fluid, thus cushioning the joints and allowing freedom of movement.

Being able to find a further two studies (similar, if less thorough) with results indicating the same mechanism decided me - I would purchase Ester C and try it out on myself!

SO: after one month of twice daily doses (total 3000mg; I am 60kg roughly) I am free of discomfort!!!

I have been on a couple of cautious walks of roughly 2kms during the last week, with only minor pain from my hips - not enough to bother me, really.

And yesterday, we went for a 'proper' walk, really stretching our legs and getting up a sweat - and TA DA!!! No pain last night, and only an 'awareness' of my hips!!!

Hoping this helps those of you with doggies with dodgy joints - try them on Ester C!!

[Gretel]

My dogs are okay but I've tried quite a few things myself. I'm going to give it a go - thanks For anyone with an overweight dog I would like to say that my knees are feeling a lot better since I shed 16 kilos. Losing weight, if overweight, really does help!

[becks]

Thanks for posting this. How soon did you notice an improvement?

[dog geek]

Thanks for posting this. How soon did you notice an improvement?

I was in a lot of pain, and could feel the inflammation in my hips, after having a regular brisk walk - so I was also limiting the amount of walking I was doing.

But within a week I was much more comfortable; and it took three weeks before I was pain-free. Again, I was also limiting my walking - but have done three walks in the past seven days, and yesterday's very brisk walk has left me conscious of my hips, but without twinges or pain.

I should add, I am also taking D-glucosamine hydrochloride/hydrosulphate as a natural anti-inflammatory and cartilige-repair supplement. This compound is revommended for sufferers of inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, asthma, lupus, sinus, and arthritis.

Edited May 23, 2010 by dog geek

[dwynwen]

SO: after one month of twice daily doses (total 3000mg; I am 60kg roughly) I am free of discomfort!!!

That's impressive! Are you taking it in tablet or powder form?

My dogs are both on ester C and I've thought about it for myself but have baulked at the number of the tabs recommended (and the taste of the powder .. blech).

[dog geek]

I am taking the tablet form - 'Wagner' 625mg. I take 6 tablets a day.

[OSoSwift]

Might have to try it on the old boy - he wouldn't even notice yet another tablet thrown on his tea! He has been going quite well and I wonder if it is because of all the supplements he has had added to his food over the last 6 months. Twelve months ago I would have been suprised if he had lasted a month, now he looks like he could go on for another 12 months!

[Trishm]

What dosage do you use for your dog, what weight is he/she ?

[luvsdogs]

Thanks for posting this. How soon did you notice an improvement?

I was in a lot of pain, and could feel the inflammation in my hips, after having a regular brisk walk - so I was also limiting the amount of walking I was doing.

But within a week I was much more comfortable; and it took three weeks before I was pain-free. Again, I was also limiting my walking - but have done three walks in the past seven days, and yesterday's very brisk walk has left me conscious of my hips, but without twinges or pain.

I should add, I am also taking D-glucosamine hydrochloride/hydrosulphate as a natural anti-inflammatory and cartilige-repair supplement. This compound is revommended for sufferers of inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, asthma, lupus, sinus, and arthritis.

I used to take ester C many years ago all the time to prevent colds & it worked because each time I fell pregnant & couldn't bare to take them I'd get a cold. I never thought of taking them for arthritis. I only occassionally take them now if I feel a sore throat coming on. What is the brand name of the other tabs you take?

For dogs I would use the powdered form, it's cheaper & easier to use. I used to also use this for my dogs when I used to make up the vegie mix from the Billinhurst diet.

[dog geek]

What dosage do you use for your dog, what weight is he/she ?

.... Me?

Or Rommi n Lewis?

I am not sure what dosage they were using on the dogs that were in the double blind study, I will see if I can re-trace my steps and find the article on the Norwegian study.

But 6 "Wagner" brand 625mg Ester C tablets, for a 60kg adult (hooman adult) per day.

[Trishm]

What dosage do you use for your dog, what weight is he/she ?

.... Me?

Or Rommi n Lewis?

I am not sure what dosage they were using on the dogs that were in the double blind study, I will see if I can re-trace my steps and find the article on the Norwegian study.

But 6 "Wagner" brand 625mg Ester C tablets, for a 60kg adult (hooman adult) per day.

Sorry, I thought you also had your dog on it,(read the post in a hurry), I am going to try it for my nearly 15 year old whippy and also for me, I have had one THR and don't want another one, I bought them yesterday, so will take the 6 daily for me, but was wondering what dose for my girl.. I'll try one, she'll just excrete the excess from what I have read.

Thanks