Multiple studies published in veterinary journals including: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine (2024), Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (2021), and Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2023) document cases of liver failure, kidney damage, and multi-organ dysfunction from joint supplements.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported 21 cases of joint supplement toxicity in just two years, with documented liver and kidney damage requiring emergency treatment.
Complete Study Citations:
1. Acute Manganese Toxicosis (2024)
Authors: Jaffey, JA, Chamberlin, T, Hu, JTitle: "Acute manganese toxicosis related to joint health supplement ingestion in two dogs"Journal: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 2024DOI/Link:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1938973624000321Key Finding: "Manganese concentrations in liver and kidney tissue were severely increased. Dog 2 developed a severe acute liver injury and was hospitalised for 6 days."
2. Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome (2015)
Title: "Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome secondary to joint supplement overdosage in dogs"Journal: PMC (PubMed Central)PMC ID: PMC4357907Link:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4357907/Key Finding: "Dogs with a history of joint supplement overdosage should be evaluated and monitored for acute liver failure, coagulopathy, and acute kidney injury."
3. Joint Supplement Toxicity Case Report (2023)
Title: "Case report: Treatment of joint supplement toxicity resulting in multiple organ dysfunction"Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary ScienceDate: June 28, 2023Link:https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1141978/fullKey Finding: "In veterinary medicine, reports of joint supplement toxicity are rare. From 2008 to 2009, the Animal Poison Control Center reported 21 cases of joint supplement toxicity."
4. Acute Liver Failure from Manganese (2014)
Authors: Borchers, A, Epstein, SE, Gindiciosi, B, et al.Title: "Acute enteral manganese intoxication with hepatic failure due to ingestion of a joint supplement overdose"Journal: Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2014DOI:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1040638714544316Key Finding: "The liver and kidneys contained 63.4 and 25.5 mg/kg of manganese, leading to liver failure."
5. Multiple Organ Dysfunction Treatment (2021)
Authors: Weatherson, HO, Bellis, T, Tse, YTitle: "The successful treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and severe hypernatremia, secondary to joint supplement toxicity in a dog"Journal: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2021DOI:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/vec.13033Key Finding: Joint supplements caused "kidney failure, coagulopathy, and liver necrosis with inflammation."
6. ASPCA Poison Control Data
Source: ASPCApro.orgTitle: "Overdoses of Oral Chondroprotective Agents"Link:https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/overdoses-oral-chondroprotective-agentsKey Finding: "From 2008 to 2009, the Animal Poison Control Center reported 21 cases of joint supplement toxicity. Significant elevations in manganese levels were found in the liver and the kidney."
7. VCA Animal Hospitals Clinical Information
Source: VCA Animal HospitalsTitle: "Glucosamine Chondroitin Combination"Link:https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/glucosamineKey Finding: "Effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease."
8. Joint Supplements Potential for Harm
Source: GWF NutritionTitle: "Joint Supplements: Potential for Harm"Link:https://www.gwfnutrition.com/pages/knowledge-base-joint-supplementsKey Finding: "Elevated liver and renal manganese led to liver failure... liver, kidney and articular cartilage."
Additional Supporting Research:
9. Glucosamine Bioavailability Study (2017)
Authors: Bhathal, A, Spryszak, M, Louizos, C, Frankel, GTitle: "Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review"Journal: Open Veterinary Journal, 2017Key Finding: Reviews renal functions and potential complications in dogs taking glucosamine/chondroitin.
10. Over-Supplementation Risks
Source: VentturaTitle: "Risks of Over-Supplementing Glucosamine & Chondroitin - Dogs"Link:https://venttura.com/blogs/neutraceuticals/detriments-of-glucosamine-chondroitin-over-supplementation-dogsKey Finding: "Excessive glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation can harm dogs. Learn about liver damage, kidney strain, and other risks from overuse of joint supplements."
Summary of Evidence:
•21 documented cases reported to ASPCA Poison Control (2008-2009)•Multiple peer-reviewed studies showing liver and kidney damage•Hospitalization required in severe cases (6+ days documented)•Manganese accumulation in liver and kidney tissue•Multi-organ dysfunction documented in veterinary journals•Longer effects in pets with existing organ disease