SEA CUCUMBER (Cucumaria frondosa) SEA CUCUMBER (Cucumaria frondosa)Common Uses
Osteoarthritis
The sea cucumber, also known by the names “trepang” and “beche de mer” is a marine animal related to urchins. It is believed that these organisms inhibit harmful prostaglandins involved in causing pain and arthritis. They are also rich in nutrients needed by cartilage, including chondroitin and mucopolysaccharides, and several vitamins and minerals. One popular product supplies the sea cucumber in a unique “jerky-type” treat (Sea Jerky-R), which dogs find quite palatable. Other compounds found in this product include sea kelp, natural vitamin E, lecithin, garlic, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Each jerky treat provides 1,200 mg of chondroitin.
In research testing by an independent laboratory, the product showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity in rats in which inflammation was induced by injection of adjuvant and no side effects were seen. The anti-inflammatory response was superior to that of Rimadyl and phenylbutazone. This study also showed that the product had higher anti-inflammatory activity than a product made from perna mussels and a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, indicating that this product might be preferred if a dog fails to respond to another supplement (since the response to various supplements varies among patients, if one fails to provide relief another should be tried). However, to my knowledge, the product has not been evaluated in double-blind placebo-controlled studies in dogs with naturally occurring arthritis. Clinical reports from the veterinary community indicates high acceptance and effectiveness.
The recommended dosage for this unique product is 1 piece of “jerky” per day for a 60- to 70-pound dog.
While it was assumed that the active ingredient in the product was chondroitin, further research showed that while the sea cucumber contains chondroitin, another substance called InflaStatin (now under research and development) appears to be the active ingredient.
These treats are perfect for the dog who is hard to medicate. While some supplements are flavored pills, there are of course those dogs who will not eat anything in a pill form. There are also those dogs whose owners simply can’t medicate. This may be because the dog was never taught to take medications as a puppy and now will not allow the owner to give it a pill. There are also those owners who find it a hassle to give their dogs pills each day. However, offering the dog a jerky treat is an easy way to allow the pet to receive the daily recommended dose of medication.
The jerky treats can also be used in conjunction with other similar pill supplements, as it is unlikely that a pet can overdose on glucosamine or chondroitin. Many owners will give their dogs the recommended amounts of daily pills but will also reward the dog with a jerky treat. For those pets with arthritis, most owners and doctors like the idea of giving them a daily treat that is good for them, as is the case with this jerky product.