This story was updated October 2018.

The news in this story is so exciting that my fingers were flying on the computer to get it to you as fast as possible. The first groundbreaking dietary supplement to strengthen weak muscles in dogs is on the shelves. It could be a game-changer for dogs with hind end weakness due to Degenerative Myelopathy, IVDD, strokes, arthritis and aging.

How this supplement to strengthen weak muscles in dogs works

The company behind the new supplement is Myos Rens Technology, Inc. Until recently they focused their research on products that improve muscle health and strength in humans. They are best known for a supplement called Fortetropin which, according to the company, is a safe, natural myostatin-reducing supplement.

Myostatin is a protein that is produced by the muscles to regulate muscle growth. It keeps you from getting so big that you look like The Hulk.

If your body stops making myostatin, your muscles begin to grow larger and stronger. A medical condition called Myostatin Deficiency produces this syndrome naturally. If you Google the term, you will see a variety of animals such as cows, horses and dogs with the condition. They are so muscular they can hardly move.

Fortetropin is a “bioactive compound” that produces a controlled version of myostatin deficiency. It is a clinically tested product, made from fertilized egg yolk, that improves muscle thickness and lean body mass in people. It is not a steroid.

Pet owners were the first to give the supplement to dogs

 “Over the last year, Fortetropin consumers reached out to tell us about their personal experiences using our products and their observations of their dogs who consumed Fortetropin,” Joseph Mannello, CEO explained. 

“We then took it a step further and tested Fortetropin products with veterinarians, who reported that older dogs engaged in more physical activity after consuming Fortetropin and resumed certain activities that were thought to have stopped because of age. 

The feedback we have received from veterinarians and pet owners has been overwhelmingly positive. Given that lean muscle mass is inversely associated with mortality from all causes in humans, we believe veterinarians, as well as consumers, will appreciate the muscle-enhancing benefits of adding Fortetropin to their dog’s diet,” Mannello said.

The clinical trial for dogs

To verify the anecdotal reports, the company conducted a clinical study at Kansas State University. The goal was to determine if the supplement reduced muscle atrophy and weakness in dogs that had undergone TPLO surgery to repair a torn ligament in their knee.

The results will be announced at the end of 2018, but distribution of MYOS Canine Muscle Formula is already in the works. Pet owners can order the supplement today at MyosPet.com. 

The company plans to distribute it through veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout the USA. The supplement will be available for dogs of all sizes and will come in a powder that can be mixed into a dog’s regular meal.

Click to read: 5 Nutrition Tips For Dogs That Can’t Walk

The potential to help dogs

MYOS Canine has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for dogs with hind end weakness and the beginning stages of paralysis. It could be a huge benefit to dogs that are slowing down due to arthritis, aging and neurological diseases.   

A personal experience you MUST read

When this story first posted in June 2018, one of our longtime readers, JoAnn D. commented that she was going to start her two of her dogs on the supplement. The dogs have been on MYOS Canine for nearly 6 months.

On October 24, JoAnn wrote to say that she is “seeing great results.”

“Rambo and Harley are both rear leg paralyzed,” said JoAnn. “Rambo has significant spinal walking abilities. Fortetropin helped give him more strength in his rear legs. He was unable to do stairs due to leg weakness. Now he can go up and down by himself without falling over. He also can run and stay on his feet longer.”

“Harley is less able-bodied. She is a pretty typical paralyzed pup. Her progress has been slower, but it is noticeable. She is actually using her rear legs more, putting weight on them, pushing upward off the floor. She has begun to stand more and for longer periods of time.” 

Here is a video JoAnn posted on her Facebook page of Harley.

JoAnn said the MYOS Canine is offering a special 10% discount, in her honor, for pet parents who want to try the supplement for their dog. If you are interested go to MyosPet.com  and type in dooley10 at checkout.