Cortaflex is Glucosamine/Chondroitin - but it's a smaller molecule than is usually found in this type of complex. The smaller molecules are more easily absorbed.
For canine/feline use it comes in powder, liquid or capsules.

Fusing is when the joints literally 'fuse' together, immobilising the joint and I suppose this prevents much of the painful movement of the joint. From what your vet said, perhaps as arthritis progresses, the joints will fuse of their own accord - I don't know.
I found this about canine arthritis on Provet.co.uk:

Treatment usually involves the long term administration of drugs, and in some cases surgery to correct biomechanical problems. If long term drug therapy is needed it is important to minimise the dosage and frequency to reduce the risk of side-effects developing. Patients often have recurrent episodes even if they do respond to initial medical treatment

If normal function cannot be maintained surgery is sometimes performed to fuse the joint (called arthrodesis), and so remove the discomfort associated with movement.

The signs of arthritis can be much worse in obese animals, and there are excessive forces on joints in animals that are obese so weight loss is a priority in these patients.

Nutritional Supplements There is quite a lot of evidence to support the use of nutritional supplements, notably the Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids such docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which are found in marine fish oil, in the management of arthritis. These are thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and possibly delay the progression of osteoarthritis by inhibiting the action of local enzymes released into the joint - the so-called matrix metalloproteases or MMPs.

A combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is also widely used in the management of osteoarthritis. These are both important structural components of the joint, and their concentrations increase in the joint tissue when dietary intake is increased.

Exercise is important for joint function to be maintained - so regular walks are important. But excessive exercise must be avoided as this can increase damage within the joint. Each individual should be managed differently ...but some lead exercise periods are necessary or the muscles will waste (atrophy) around the joint making return to function unlikely.

Last updated : March 2006

There's no doubt that a treatment that would either cure or manage arthritis from further degeneration would be a boon to millions of people and animals worldwide.
I'm certainly hoping that I get some improvement with the human type of Cortaflex - so thanks Anndee for mentioning it!

GEMMA IS MOVING AGAIN :d :d :d :d :d :d :d
She is getting up in the morning not as bad as what she was and not falling down the staris :D :D :D
Thanks everyone :) :)
Lea )

Aww Bless her :) I'm so pleased for you Lea x