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PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES - TOXICOLOGY - DRUG INTERACTIONS

Essential Fatty Acids

Dogs and cats, among other species, are unable to synthesize essential fatty acids such as omega-6
and omega-3 fatty acids (Davenport, 2006). Essential fatty acids are important for proper cellular
development and reproductive, gastrointestinal, and renal functions, and maintenance of healthy
skin. Diets deficient in essential fatty acids can result in multiple reproductive and cutaneous
disorders in adult animals, as well as a failure to thrive in young growing animals (Bauer, 2006;
Davenport, 2006). Preliminary studies in dogs and cats with essential fatty acids have shown
promise in several clinical conditions.

Areas include:

• Controlled studies on the effects of essential fatty acids on skin and hair coat condition of
dogs and cats (Popa et al., 2011; Abba et al., 2005; Mooney et al., 1998; Logas & Kunkle,
1994; Harvey, 1993; Bond & Loyd, 1992a, 1992b).

• Effects in maintaining lean body mass (Szabo et al., 2003; Szabo et al., 2000; Ibrahim et al.,
2000).
• Use of omega-3 fatty acids in arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases and other progressive
inflammatory disorders (Roush et al., 2010; Fritsch et al., 2010; Roush et al., 2010; LeBlanc
et al., 2008).
• Studies on omega-3 fatty acids and neurological development (Heinemann & Bauer, 2006;
Waldron et al., 1998).

• Utility of omega-3 fatty acids in aging and cognitive function (Taha et al., 2009; Hall et al.,
2005; Wander et al., 1997).
• Benefit of omega-3 fatty acids in aggression in dogs and cats (Re et al., 2008).
• Role of omega-3 fatty acids in mitigating insulin sensitivity, obesity, and metabolic
syndromes (Mazaki et al., 2011; Wilkins et al., 2004; Szabo et al., 2003; Szabo et al., 2000;
Ibrahim et al., 2000).

• Studies on cardiovascular diseases and cardioprotective actions of essential fatty acids
(Mayyas et al., 2011; Ramadeen et al., 2010; Freeman, 2010; Laurent et al., 2008; Leaf et
al., 2005; Pakala et al., 1999; Billman et al., 1999; Freeman et al., 1998).

• Relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and cancer prevention and therapy (Ogilvie et al.,
2000; Williams, 1998).
• Involvement of omega-3 fatty acids in immune system (Bauer, 2007; Kearns et al., 1999;
Wander et al., 1997).

• Studies on renal disease (Roudebush et al., 2010; Brown et al., 2000; Brown et al., 1998).
• Effects on canine semen quality (da Rocha et al., 2009).

2 | Omega3/6/9 -VM TM