Nutraceutical supplementation increases mobility in aged captive non-domesticated felids.
Vet Rec
; 194(7): e3797, 2024.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38379254
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are an increasing issue as the lifespan of captive animals increases. Extracts of green-lipped mussels have been linked to alleviation of MSDs in domestic carnivores. Understanding their efficacy in non-domestic felids could provide another tool to improve the welfare of aged individuals in collections.METHODS:
A within-subject study design quantified steps per minute in each of 18 cats of 13 species before and after the addition of a nutraceutical containing green-lipped mussel extract (Antinol) to their diets. The age structure of four commonly kept subspecies of non-domestic cats was quantified to provide a demographic context to the need for managing aged individuals.RESULTS:
Each of the 18 cats exhibited a higher number of steps per minute after the addition of Antinol to their diet. At the group level, a paired t-test showed that the step rate was significantly increased after the addition of Antinol to the diet.LIMITATIONS:
While our results showed a strong significant increase in step rate following Antinol supplementation, further studies that incorporate a placebo, more individuals and more detailed metrics of mobility would provide a more detailed evidence base for practitioners.CONCLUSION:
Nutraceuticals may yield benefits to aged individual felids, including species kept widely in European collections. Their use warrants further, detailed research in collections.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Carnívoros
/
Felidae
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Vet Rec
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article