CaniFlow Product Information
Introduction
CaniFlow is a clear, odourless liquid, with an off-white orange tinge, slightly thicker than water and with a salty taste, containing long-chain Hyaluronic Acid (HA) (>1MDa molecular weight) derived from non-animal (biofermentation) sources. CaniFlow is designed to be given orally to dogs to support joint health by replenishing natural levels of hyaluronic acid which may have become depleted through old age and/or chronic disease.
Rationale for supplementation
HA is one of the main lubricating agents in synovial fluid. The functions of HA in the joints include lubrication, space filling to allow the joint to remain open and regulate cellular activities, and absorbing mechanical impacts and avoiding friction between bone ends through its viscoelasticity. During inflammatory processes, uncontrolled turnover of HA due to decreased pH and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to losses in the thickness and viscosity of the HA barrier, leading to disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA).
Ingredients
Per 5ml
17mg Hyaluronic acid (>1MDa) (from non-animal source)
Sterilised water (98%), sodium chloride (0.9%), citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate (Vit C)
Calories – 0kcal
Fat - 0g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Sodium - 5.7mg
Carbohydrate - 0g
Protein - 0g
Vitamin C - 12mg
Not a significant source of any other nutrients
Does not contain: soya, lactose, wheat, sugar, sweeteners, shellfish.
Suitable for vegan lifestyles.
How much to give:
The optimal dose can vary significantly between individuals. Give HA with or immediately after food. It is best added and mixed into to the dog’s meal but can be syringed directly into their mouths after eating, perhaps diluted with water or milk to dull the salty taste. If CaniFlow needs to be given outside mealtimes then part of the main meal should be kept back for feeding with CaniFlow.
Recommended starting dose:
Give CaniFlow with or shortly after food twice a day at the rate of 1ml per 10kg (min. dose 1ml). CaniFlow can be added to food, diluted in water or given directly into the mouth via the syringe.
<10kg – 1ml (twice daily)
11-20 – 2ml (twice daily)
21-30kg – 3ml (twice daily) etc
Varying CaniFlow:
Frequency or volume given can be reduced when sufficient support is being provided. Either move to once a day at existing volume or reduce twice daily amount by half. Do not change how much CaniFlow is given more often than once a week.
Owners are best placed to judge the level of support their dog requires and can contact CaniFlow through their website to ask for advice (www.caniflowdog.com) or via email (humphrey@caniflow-vet.co.uk)
Side-effects and contraindications
There are no contraindications to oral Hyaluronic Acid supplementation. Dogs that have a previous history of sensitivity to the ingredients in CaniFlow should avoid the product. It is prudent to share this information sheet with your veterinary surgeon if your dog is receiving ongoing treatment for a chronic condition.
There’s no rationale to exclude pregnant, nursing or stud dogs from supplementation nor animals with chronic illness. Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe to use and has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
In rare cases (1:500), due to the extreme hydrophilia of HA (can absorb 10,000x its own weight in water), CaniFlow may cause a mechanical diarrhoea which can be a source of discomfort; in such cases CaniFlow should be withdrawn immediately. When the dog has become comfortable and regained normal bowel function CaniFlow can be reinstated at 50% of the previous dose. The owner or supervising veterinary surgeon is encouraged to seek advice from the company through its website or contact details below if they are concerned.
Whilst there is no risk of toxicity, it has been noted that high dose rates have been associated with itchiness (1:1000) which resolves when the product is withdrawn. Similarly, when the dog has become comfortable and the signs have resolved, such cases have shown that CaniFlow can be reinstated at 50% of the previous dose without restarting the itching cycles.
No treatment has been required beyond ceasing supplementation in either scenario above.
Company contact information
EquiFlow Ltd
20-22 Wenlock Road
London
N1 7GU
Company no: 11597736
Email: Humphrey@caniflow-vet.co.uk
Phone & WhatsApp : 07470 826968
On-call VS : Humphrey Grimmett MRCVS
Document version v1.1
Date of publication 07/11/2024