Comparison of Two Mesotherapy Protocols in the Management of Back Pain in Police Working Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

This study aimed to compare 2 protocols for the management of back pain in police working dogs. Twenty animals were signaled based on history, trainer complaints, physical and radiographic examination consistent with back pain. In a retrospective study, 2 groups were considered: GM, treated with a solution comprising a combination of lidocaine, dexamethasone, and tiocolchicoseide; and GT, treated with the same solution, with the addition of Traumeel LT. Response to treatment, measured by the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI, divided into pain interference score – PIS, and pain severity score - PSS) and Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS), was evaluated before treatment (T0), after 15 (+15d) days and 1 (+30d), 2 (+60d), 3 (+90d), 4 (+120d), 5 (+150d) and 6 (+180d) months. Results were compared using an independent samples t-test or a Paired Samples t-test. Comparing results for each moment with T0 within each group, differences where observed only in GM at +15d (P < .01 for PIS and P < .01 for PSS), +30d (P = .04 for PIS and P < .01 for PSS), +60d (P = .03 for PIS and P = .02 for PSS) and +90d (P = .02 for PSS). Treatment was successful in reducing PSS (reduction of ≥1) in 8/10 animals of GM at +15d (80%), 8/10 at +30d (80%), 5/10 at +60d (50%), 4/10 at +90d (40%), 3/9 at +120d (33.3%) and 2/9 at +150d −+ 180d (22.2%). In GT, treatment was successful in 1/10 at +15d −+30d (10%), 2/10 at +60d (20%) and 1/10 at +90d (10%). No differences were observed with HVAS any time point for either intervention or when comparing groups in each moment. The protocol used in GM produced significant improvements, while the addition of Traumeel did not, rather reducing the effect of treatment in working dogs with back pain. Further studies are required.