UC-II® is a unique, undenatured form of type II collagen, the major structural protein in joints and connective tissue. UC-II® was previously reported to improve joint flexibility and arthritic symptoms in older people. Obesity, aging, injury and immune dysfunction can commonly lead to arthritis in dogs, especially larger breeds. To evaluate the clinical effects and safety of UC-II®, two groups of overweight arthritic dogs received either 1 or 10 mg of undenatured type II collagen as UC-II® daily for a 3 month period, while a third group served as controls. Lameness and pain after physical activity were noticeably reduced in both groups receiving UC-II®. Greater improvement was observed with the higher dose than the lower dose, and both doses were well-tolerated. No side-effects were noted in dogs taking UC-II®, and there were no significant changes in blood biomarkers of liver and kidney function. Importantly, UC-II®-treated animals lost a significant amount of body weight as a result of becoming more physically active. Overall pain, pain with motion, and exercise-induced lameness were monitored weekly for an additional month after treatment was stopped. All dogs experienced a relapse during this period, suggesting that the earlier improvements were due to UC-II® supplementation. These findings suggest that daily use of UC-II® can safely improve symptoms and quality of life in arthritic dogs.

Source: Deparle LA, Gupta RC, Canerdy TD, D’Altilio M, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Efficacy and Safety of Glycosylated Undenatured Type-II Collagen (UC-II) in Therapy of Arthritic Dogs, J.Vet. Pharmacol. Therap., 28: 385-390, 2005.