Joint Supplements Research Articles

276 Use of triaxial accelerometers and a machine learning algorithm for behavioral identification to assess the effectiveness of a joint supplement in old domestic cats (Felis catus)

Abstract Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a 90% prevalence in older cats and adversely affects quality of life1. Long-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually required but can have adverse effects2. Nutraceuticals have been shown to relieve joint pain in cats without such side effects; however, due to differences in dose rates and formulations there is no consensus as to their efficacy. Most studies have utilized subjective insensitive measures such as veterinary or owner-assessed changes in activity. Accelerometers can provide objective data on cat activity and can identify specific behaviors3.Triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL) were fitted to the collars of 16 cats (aged 11 to 16 yr; Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ) for 20 wk to assess their activity and behavior. The cats were fed the same diet (Chef: Kraft Heinz Wattie’s Ltd., Hastings, NZ) for 4 wk to collect baseline acceleration data, before being divided into two groups balanced for physical activity. After 4 wk, a blood sample were taken from all of the cats to establish their baseline levels of a range of inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNFα, INF- γ, SDF-1). The test group (n = 8) then received a joint supplement added to the baseline diet while the control group (n = 8) were fed the diet unsupplemented for 16 wk. The commercial joint supplement contained glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and green-lipped mussel (Tandem, Wellington, NZ), at daily doses shown previously to be effective in cats4,5,6. The aim of the work was to assess the efficacy of the joint supplement in maintaining or promoting activity and specific behaviors in the cats. At the end of the period of supplementation a second blood sample was taken and assessed for the same range of inflammatory markers. Overall physical activity was not different between groups at baseline but was greater over the study in the test group compared with the control (P < 0.03). Grooming, as identified by the algorithm, showed a tendency (P = 0.051) to be greater in the test group than the control. These results suggest that the supplement had a positive effect on both overall activity and more specifically on grooming behavior in old cats. However, no differences in the range of inflammatory markers were seen before or after supplementation. While the behavioral measures could indicate the supplement reduced the effects of DJD, further research is required to confirm this.1Cunningham et al (2022) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 24, 962-974. 2Lemetayer and Taylor (2014) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 16, 547-562; 3Smit et al., (2023) Sensors 23, 7165; 4Corbee (2022) Veterinary Medicine and Science 8, 1025–1035; 5Corbee et al. (2013) Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 97, 846–853; 6Lascelles et al. (2010) Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24, 487–495.

Owner-reported health and disease in U.S. senior horses.

Information on health care and health status of U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age) is currently sparse. (A) Provide an overview of owner-reported (1) medical conditions, (2) management/treatment practices for equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), (3) frequencies of routine health care practices and (4) supplement and pharmaceutical use in U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age). (B) Evaluate potential risk factors for certain medical conditions and for low routine health care. Online survey. Descriptive and inferential analysis (binomial logistic regression and ANOVA) of 2717 questionnaires from owners of U.S. senior horses. The most common owner-reported veterinary-diagnosed medical conditions were osteoarthritis (30%), dental disorders (15%), lameness (14%), PPID (12%) and ocular disorders (6%). Advancing age was found to be a risk factor for PPID (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval, CI] = 1.14 [1.10-1.18]), dental (OR [95% CI] = 1.18 [1.15-1.22]) and ocular (OR [95% CI] = 1.05 [1.01-1.10]) disorders. Only 36% of horses were free of owner-reported veterinary-diagnosed medical conditions at the time of the survey. During the year prior to the survey, most routine healthcare practices (i.e., veterinary health care, dental care and anthelmintic treatment) were typically undertaken one to two times per year, while farrier visits occurred mostly every 5-6 weeks. Retired senior horses had a higher risk of no health care visits (OR [95% CI] = 2.1 [1.38-3.06]), no dental care (OR [95% CI] = 2.0 [1.31-3.00]) and low farrier attendance (i.e., ≤4 times/year) (OR [95% CI] = 2.4 [1.57-3.63]) compared with senior horses used for pleasure riding. The most frequently administered drug was firocoxib (18%) and joint supplements were the most provided supplements (41%). Potential recall, response and sampling bias. Risk factor analyses do not establish causal relationships. Medical conditions are highly prevalent in U.S. senior horses. Retired senior horses have an increased risk of low routine health care.

The state of intermediate metabolism and antioxidant protection of the organism of quail during denitrifation

Purpose : the study of the exposure of the prototype of sagging and the phospholipid complex of lecithin for the intermediate exchange and enzymatic activity of the anti -radical protection of the body of quails in the presence of a subtoxic dose of nitrates in the compound feeds. Materials and methods . To carry out a scientific and production experiment, meat caves "Pharaoh" were used. From per diem, 4 groups of experimental birds of 50 goals in each were formed on the principle of groups of groups analogues. Compound feeds used for feeding are quittered, grown for meat, were prosperous in the presence of nitrates. With this in mind, for the purity of the experiment, they additionally introduced sodium nitrate in a dose of 40 g/t feed in their composition for all groups in the role of the source of these xenobiotics. At the same time, the presence of nitrates in the diet in a subtoxic dose was ensured. A sagitol’s sagitot at a dose of 1250 g/t, for the 3rd group-1000 g/t lacitin, for the 4th-1250 g/t of the sagitol test + 1000 g/t Lecin, was added to the feed. The 1st group was controlled - for birds of these groups in compensation, sagitol and lecithin were not added to determine the effectiveness of denitrification studied the basic morphological and biochemical parameters of blood and the activity of enzymes of anti -radical protection of the body of quails (5 heads in the group) aged 42 days. Results . In the course of the studies, it was first established that joint supplements in the diets of produces of produces of sagol at a dose of 1.25 kg/t of feed and lecithin at a dose of 1.0 kg/t food contributed to effective denitrification in the body of the plyona breed. This was manifested in a reliable (p <0.05) increase in the bird of the 3rd experimental group regarding control in the liquid internal environment of the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, as well as in a decrease in the concentration of metghemoglobin by 45.17% (p <0.05) . With joint additives in the diets of probiotic and lecithin, an improvement in the state of natural resistance and antioxidant protection of the poultry body was observed, which was manifested in an increase in the quails of the 3rd experimental group regarding control of lysozymic activity by 2.99% (p <0.05), bacticipid by 11.09% (p <0.05) and the activity of glutathioneperoxidase - by 43.22% (p <0.05) with a decrease in catalase activity - by 17.46% (p <0.05). Under the influence of these drugs, the quails of 3 of the experimental group observed the best level of denitrification, which in the blood serum increased the amount of uric acid by 42.56% (p <0.05) due to a decrease in nitrates by 50.54% (p <0 , 05) and nitrites - by 60.55% (p <0.05).

Joint pain and mobility

This workshop discussed the diagnosis of developmental joint disease and degenerative conditions in dogs and cats, and looked at a multimodal approach to managing pain caused by these conditions, which involves surgery, pain medication, physical therapy, exercise and lifestyle modifications, weight management and joint supplements. It also considers how best to help owners manage these conditions.

Conservative nonsurgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament disease can be an effective management strategy in cats based on validated owner-based subjective assessment in some cases.

To describe long-term outcomes of cats managed medically for cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) via a validated owner-based questionnaire. 18 client-owned cats. Retrospective review of medical records at 2 tertiary referral hospitals was conducted for records of cats diagnosed with CCLD for which medical management was pursued. History, physical examination findings, and medical management strategies were recorded. Owner follow-up was obtained via phone call or an email correspondence interview using a 2-part questionnaire. Part 1 consisted of 5 multiple-choice questions evaluating short-term outcomes following initiation of medical management. Part 2 assessed long-term outcomes via the validated Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index-short form metrology instrument. Mean follow-up time was 66.5 ± 46.7 months (range, 7 to 154 months). Medical management included oral analgesics, activity restriction, and joint supplements. Of the 18 cats, 13 (72%) were always able to bear weight or became weight bearing within a week following initiation of medical management, and 15 (83%) were reportedly clinically normal within 3 months of initiating medical management, with complete resolution of lameness occurring in less than 2 months in 12 of those cats. Long term, 17 of the 18 (94%) owners reported they felt that their cat had a good to excellent outcome with medical management. The mean Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index-short form score of all cats was 0.29 ± 0.53 (range, 0 to 2.13). Based on owner follow-up, conservative, nonsurgical management of CCLD can be an effective and appropriate management strategy for some cats; however, some may be best treated with surgical stabilization.

Addition of Allograft and Acromioclavicular Cerclage Improves Outcomes of Arthroscopic-Assisted Reconstruction of Acromioclavicular Separation With a Single Coracoclavicular Tunnel.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the functional outcome and complications of unstable acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations repaired with a single coracoclavicular tunnel utilizing an arthroscopic-assisted curved button technique.MethodsThirty-five patients with a minimum of 12 months follow-up underwent arthroscopic-assisted AC joint reconstruction with suspensory button and 2 mm suture tape fixation using 3 mm tunnels. Functional outcome scores were analyzed preoperatively and at final follow-up with all complications noted.ResultsComparing preoperative to postoperative values, all functional outcome scores improved. Three of the 16 (19%) patients that had a supplementary graft looped around the undersurface of the coracoid demonstrated loss of reduction compared to eight of the 19 (42%) that were treated with button and suture fixation alone (p = .138). No loss of reduction occurred in the subset of patients with AC joint supplementation. One (3%) patient sustained a distal clavicle fracture.ConclusionArthroscopic-assisted AC joint reconstruction with a suspensory button construct demonstrates improved clinical outcomes with high patient satisfaction. While loss reduction remains problematic, smaller bone tunnels appear to lead to a low rate of iatrogenic fractures. The addition of a free tendon graft, as well as AC cerclage, appears to minimize loss of reduction.

Demographic factors associated with joint supplement use in dogs from the Dog Aging Project.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent age-related chronic conditions that afflict companion dogs, and multiple joint supplements are available to prevent or treat OA, though the efficacy of these treatments is controversial. While the demographic factors that are associated with OA diagnosis are well established, the factors that are associated with joint supplement use are not as well studied. Using data collected from the Dog Aging Project, we analyzed owner survey responses regarding joint supplement administration and OA diagnosis for 26,951 adult dogs. In this cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models and odds-ratios (OR) were employed to determine demographic factors of dogs and their owners that were associated with joint supplement administration. Forty percent of adult dogs in our population were given some type of joint supplement. Perhaps not surprisingly, dogs of older age, larger size, and those that were ever overweight were more likely to receive a joint supplement. Younger owner age, urban living, owner education, and feeding commercial dry food were associated with a reduced likelihood of administration of joint supplements to dogs. Interestingly, mixed breed dogs were also less likely to be administered a joint supplement (OR: 0.73). Dogs with a clinical diagnosis of OA were more likely to receive a joint supplement than those without a reported OA diagnosis (OR: 3.82). Neutered dogs were more likely to have a diagnosis of OA, even after controlling for other demographic factors, yet their prevalence of joint supplement administration was the same as intact dogs. Overall, joint supplement use appears to be high in our large population of dogs in the United States. Prospective studies are needed to determine if joint supplements are more commonly administered as a preventative for OA or after an OA clinical diagnosis.

Joint supplements recalled in USA due to unlisted diclofenac

Joint supplements recalled in USA due to unlisted diclofenac

Effect of Flavonoids in Hawthorn and Vitamin C Prevents Hypertension in Rats Induced by Heat Exposure.

Background: Excessive oxidative stress is associated with hypertension in professional high-temperature working conditions. Polyphenols exhibit a cardioprotective effect. Hawthorn contains high amounts of flavonoids, though its effect on hypertension protection has yet to be studied. This study aims to investigate this effect of extract of hawthorn (EH) or its combination with vitamin C (Vit. C) in rats induced by working under a hot environment. Methods: Forty-two male rats were randomly divided into a control group under normal temperature and six treatment groups exposed at 33 ± 1 °C along with 1 h of daily treadmill running. They were orally provided with water, Vit. C (14mg/kg), EH (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg), and EH500 + Vit. C, once a day for four weeks. Results: Both EH and Vit. C alone reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of rats exposed to the heat environment; however, their joint supplementation completely maintained their blood pressure to the normal level throughout the experimental period. No morphological changes were found on the intima of aorta. Moreover, the co-supplementation of EH and Vit. C prevented the changes of heat exposure in inducing oxidative stress markers, such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide; the synergistic action was more effective than either individual treatment of EH and Vit. C. Furthermore, the administration of EH had more potent effects on increasing superoxide dismutase, IL-2, the 70 kilodalton heat shock proteins and high sensitivity C reactive protein, and decreasing serum malondialdehyde and lipofuscin in vascular tissue than those in Vit. C group. Conclusions: A strong synergistic effect of EH and Vit. C on the prevention of hypertension under heat exposure was established, as they inhibited the oxidative stress state. This study also sets up a novel intervention strategy in animal models for investigation on the early phases of hypertension induced by heat exposure.

Sodium hydrosulfite together with silicon detoxifies arsenic toxicity in tomato plants by modulating the AsA-GSH cycle

The main intent of the current research was to appraise if combined application of hydrogen sulfide (H2S, 0.2 mM) and silicon (Si 2.0 mM) could improve tolerance of tomato plants to arsenic (As as sodium hydrogen arsenate heptahydrate, 0.2 mM) stress. Plant growth, chlorophylls (Chl), PSII maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm), H2S concentration and L-cysteine desulfhydrase activity were found to be suppressed, but leaf and root As, leaf proline content, phytochelatins, malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 as well as the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) increased under As stress. H2S and Si supplied together or alone enhanced the concentrations of key antioxidant biomolecules such as ascorbic acid, and reduced glutathione and the activities of key antioxidant system enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). In comparison with individual application of H2S or Si, the joint supplementation of both had better effect in improving growth and key biochemical processes, and reducing tissue As content, suggesting a putative collaborative role of both molecules in improving tolerance to As-toxicity in tomato plants.

Iodine and Selenium Biofortification of Chervil Plants Treated with Silicon Nanoparticles.

Production of functional food with high levels of selenium (Se) and iodine (I) obtained via plant biofortification shows significant difficulties due to the complex interaction between the two elements. Taking into account the known beneficial effect of silicon (Si) on plant growth and development, single and joint foliar biofortification of chervil plants with potassium iodide (150 mg L−1) and sodium selenate (10 mg L−1) was carried out in a pot experiment with and without Si nanoparticles foliar supplementation. Compared to control plants, nano-Si (14 mg L−1) increased shoot biomass in all treatments: by 4.8 times with Si; by 2.8 times with I + Si; by 5.6 times with Se + Si; by 4.0 times with I + Se + Si. The correspondent increases in root biomass were 4.5, 8.7, 13.3 and 10.0 times, respectively. The growth stimulation effect of Se, I and I + Se treatments resulted in a 2.7, 3.5 and 3.6 times increase for chervil shoots and 1.6, 3.1 and 8.6 times for roots, respectively. Nano-Si improved I biofortification levels by twice, while I and Se enhanced the plant content of each other. All treatments decreased nitrate levels, compared to control, and increased the photopigment accumulation. Improvement of total antioxidant activity and phenolic content was recorded only under the joint application of Se + I + Si. Foliar nano-Si treatment affected other element content in plants: decreased Na+ accumulation in single and joint supplementation with Se and I, restored Fe, Mn and Cr amount compared to the decreased levels recorded in separately Se and I fortified plants and promoted Al accumulation both with or without Se and I biofortification. The results of this research suggest high prospects of foliar nano-Si supply for enhancing both growth and joint I/Se biofortification of chervil.

Veterinary management of feline osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative condition, which causes mobility issues and behavioural changes in affected cats as a result of chronic pain. Despite reports in the literature suggesting a vast prevalence of the condition among the domestic cat population, the condition appears to be underdiagnosed. This is likely due to a combination of subtle clinical signs, lack of owner awareness and poor correlation between radiographical changes and severity of clinical signs. Multimodal management of feline osteoarthritis is likely to be most successful in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. This may include some or all of the following: medical management, rehabilitation therapies, weight loss, environmental adaptations, joint supplements and surgery.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: Race and Gender Variations.

ObjectiveTo evaluate race and gender variations in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for knee osteoarthritis (OA) (unadjusted and adjusted for demographic and clinical factors).MethodsA secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data was conducted. The sample included Veterans Affairs patients 50 years of age or older with symptomatic knee OA. Current use of various CAM therapies was assessed at baseline. Logistic regression models were used to compare race and gender differences in the use of specific CAMs.ResultsThe sample included 517 participants (52.2% identified as African American [AA]; 27.1% identified as female). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, AA participants, compared with white participants, were less likely to use joint supplements (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31‐0.90]); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19‐0.77); and chiropractic care (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26‐1.00). However, they were more likely to participate in spiritual activities (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.39‐2.94). Women, compared with men, were more likely to use herbs (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.41‐4.14); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.04‐4.19); acupuncture, acupressure, or massage (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.28‐4.67); and spiritual activities (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.60). The interactive effects of race and gender were significant in the use of herbs (P = 0.008); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (P = 0.011); acupuncture, acupressure or massage (P = 0.038); and spiritual activities (P < 0.001).ConclusionThere are race and gender differences in the use of various CAMs for OA. As benefits and limitations of CAM therapies vary, clinicians must be aware of these differences.

15 The effect of nutraceuticals on markers of equine joint health

Acute injury and degradation of joint function can limit the performance of horses. To evaluate the ability of a combination of nutraceuticals to impact joint health, an in vitro trial was designed utilizing cartilage (CART) and synovium (SYN) explants harvested aseptically from the carpal joint of 2 horses euthanized for unrelated reasons. CART and SYN explants (n = 3/horse/group) were created using a 6 mm dermal biopsy punch and cocultured in appropriate media with the CART explant in the well and the SYN explant in a trans well insert with a membrane allowing for the flow of media between the insert and the well. Tissues were randomly assigned to one of 5 culture groups: 1) Negative control; 2) Positive control (10ng/ml recombinant equine (re)IL-1β); 3) Low (10ng/ml reIL-1β, 0.2 ng/mL green tea (GT), 100 ng/mL hydrolyzed collagen (HC), 25 ng/mL cranberry powder (CP)); 4) Mid (10ng/ml reIL-1β, 2 ng/mL GT, 1 µg/mL HC, 250 ng/mL CP); or 5) High (10ng/ml reIL-1β, 20 ng/mL GT, 10 µg/mL HC, 2.5 µg/mL CP). Dosages were determined via a previous study. Tissues were cultured for 21 d, and media collected on d 3, 9, 15, and 21. On d 21 viable chondrocyte density (VCD) was determined. Tissue digests were tested for proteoglycan and collagen content. Culture media was analyzed for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), prostaglandin e 2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), proteoglycan content, interleukin-6 and 8 (IL-6, 8), and growth-related oncogene (GRO). Data were analyzed utilizing a one-way ANOVA in SAS 9.4. Data are presented in the table below. There were no treatment differences for any parameter in any of the culture groups with the exception of the positive and negative control groups. Differences by time existed with increases in inflammation over time in the positive control group and no changes in the negative control group. Significant time x treatment interactions existed only in the positive control group. No combination of nutraceuticals was able to mitigate the inflammatory challenge. At the high level, the combination appeared to have cytotoxic effects. Taken together, these data shed light on the challenges associated with developing an efficacious joint supplement for horses.

Secondary Knee Osteoarthritis with Medial Instability and Tibial Defect due to Chronic Abscess Treated by Total Knee Arthroplasty with Metal Augmentation - Case Report

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA), known as degenerative joint disease, is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of articular cartilage, most common in elderly women and men. Knee OA is a leading cause of disability and increase with an aging and overweight population. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical treatment of OA knee that highly cost-effective procedure. Stable placement of components is difficult and thus it presents technical challenges for the surgeon but various options are available for managing these defects. Case Report: A 58 years-old housewife came to our clinic due to chronic left knee pain with associated instability since two years ago and getting worse in last three months. She already had knee joint supplementation injections and physical therapy but no improvements. Based on our clinical and radiological findings, our assessment was secondary left knee osteo-arthritis with medial instability and tibial defect due to chronic abscess. Patient underwent TKA to correct this condition. A revised implant was used to close the defect in the medial part of the tibia and soft tissue reconstruction procedure was used to correct the instability. Result: On the first postoperative month, the patient underwent rehabilitation and physical therapy to strengthen her lower limb muscles. On the second month, she started to walk using walking assisted device. On the ninth months follow-up, the patient was able to walk normally without assisted device, the pain disappeared and the symptoms of knee instability were reduced. Conclusion:Bone defects are commonly encountered during TKA, which still has no standard treatment to cure. In this case, the use of metal augmentation with revision implant give satisfactory results with good clinical outcome. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Total Knee Arthro¬plasty, knee instability, tibial defect, metal augmentation Correspondence: Bintang Soetjahjo. Dr. Moewardi Hospital. Jl. Kolonel Sutarto 132, Jebres, Surakarta, Central Java 57126, Indonesia. Mobile: +628122987359. Email: bjortho@yahoo.com Indonesian Journal of Medicine (2021), 06(02): 168-176 https://doi.org/10.26911/theijmed.2021.06.02.06

112 Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement on Gait Kinematics and Biomarkers of Cartilage Metabolism and Inflammation in Mature Riding Horses

Abstract Twenty stock-type horses (589 ± 126 kg BW; 13 ± 8 yr) were utilized in a completely randomized design for a 28-d trial to evaluate a joint supplement on gait kinematics, inflammation and cartilage metabolism. Horses were stratified by age, sex, body weight (BW), and initial lameness score and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments consisting of either a 100 g placebo top-dressed daily to 0.6% BW (as-fed) commercial concentrate (CON; n = 10), or an oral joint supplement (SmartPak Equine LLC) containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, methylsulfonylmethane, turmeric, resveratrol, collagen, silica, and boron (TRT; n = 10). Horses had ad libitum access to coastal bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon) and exercised progressively 4 d/wk, for 45 min/d. On d 13 and 27, blood was harvested following a 19.3 km exercise stressor. Every 14 d, blood was collected for plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and serum collagenase cleavage neopeptide (C2C), carboxypropeptide of type II collagen (CPII), and chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS846). Gait kinematics were analyzed every 14 d (Kinovea v.0.8.15) to determine stride length (SL) and range of motion (ROM) of the knee and hock at the walk and trot. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Hock ROM increased in TRT (P ≤ 0.02) at the walk and tended to increase at the trot (P = 0.09). At the walk, SL and knee ROM increased (P ≤ 0.01) in all horses. C2C and CPII increased over time (P ≤ 0.05) and no effect was observed for CS846 or PGE2 (P &amp;gt; 0.12). In response to the exercise stressor, CPII and PGE2 decreased (P ≤ 0.05) from d 13 to 14, and CS846 and PGE2 tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.10) from d 27 to 28, independent of diet. In conclusion, hock ROM at the walk and trot was the most sensitive to TRT, but biomarker concentration of collagen metabolites and systemic inflammation was not altered in 28 d.

Evaluation of an oral joint supplement on gait kinematics and biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and inflammation in mature riding horses.

Twenty stock-type horses (589 ± 126 kg BW; 13 ± 8 yr) were used in a completely randomized design for 28-d to evaluate the impact of a joint supplement on gait kinematics, inflammation, and cartilage metabolism. Horses were stratified by age, sex, body weight (BW), and initial lameness scores and were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments consisting of either a 100-g placebo top-dressed daily to 0.6% BW (as-fed) commercial concentrate (CON; n = 10; SafeChoice Original, Cargill, Inc.), or an oral joint supplement (SmartPak Equine LLC) containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, methylsulfonylmethane, turmeric, resveratrol, collagen, silica, and boron (TRT; n = 10). Horses were group-housed with ad libitum access to coastal bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon) and allowed to graze pasture 2 h/d. Horses were exercised progressively 4 d/wk at 45 min each. On days 13 and 27, blood was harvested followed by a 19.3-km exercise stressor on concrete. Horses traveled at the walk, with no more than 15 min at the trot. Every 14 d, BW and BCS were recorded, and blood was collected for plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), serum collagenase cleavage neopeptide (C2C), carboxypropeptide of type II collagen (CPII), and chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS846) analysis. Kinematic gait analysis was performed every 14 d (Kinovea v.0.8.15) to determine stride length (SL) and range of motion (ROM) of the knee and hock at the walk and trot. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. All horses increased BW and BCS over time (P ≤ 0.01). Hock ROM increased in TRT horses (P ≤ 0.02) at the walk and tended to increase at the trot compared to CON (P = 0.09). At the walk, SL and knee ROM increased over time, independent of dietary treatment (P ≤ 0.01); no time effect was observed at the trot (P > 0.15). Regardless of treatment, C2C and CPII increased over time (P ≤ 0.05) and no effect was observed for CS846 or PGE2 (P > 0.12). In response to the exercise stressor, CPII and PGE2 decreased (P ≤ 0.05) from day 13 to 14, and CS846 and PGE2 tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.10) from day 27 to 28, independent of dietary treatment. In conclusion, hock ROM at the walk and trot was most sensitive to dietary treatment. Supplementation did not alter biomarker concentration of collagen metabolites or systemic inflammation in the 28-d period, but a future study utilizing arthrocentesis may be warranted to specifically evaluate intra-articular response to dietary treatment.

Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010).

To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. Retrospective case series. Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative findings as well as postoperative treatment were analyzed for their association with return to athletic performance as the primary outcome of interest. The most common disciplines represented were cutting (n = 38), Western pleasure (n = 13), and reining (n = 13). Approximately 40% (32/82) of horses returned to intended use after surgery. Increased age, higher degree of lameness, longer duration of lameness, and the presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions decreased the odds of returning to athletic performance. Postoperative therapies (intra-articular: stem cells, corticosteroids, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; systemic: nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, oral joint supplements) did not affect the odds of returning to intended use. Less than half of the Western performance horses that underwent stifle arthroscopy returned to intended use. Older age, longer duration of lameness, and presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions affected the odds of a horse returning to intended use. Postoperative therapies did not affect the outcome in this population. The prognosis of Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy is as guarded as that previously reported in horses of other disciplines.

Are nutraceuticals better than carprofen at controlling osteoarthritis in dogs?

Sally, a 12-year-old female neutered black Labrador, is presented to you with right forelimb lameness. She has decreased range of movement in both hips and the right elbow. You radiograph...

Prescribing practices of veterinarians in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats.

Despite the high prevalence and increasing awareness of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats, approved treatment options are completely lacking in the USA, and few other options have sufficient safety and efficacy data. Knowledge of current prescribing practices should inform future research of putative therapies. We aimed to determine which drug and non-drug therapies were being used by general practitioners for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in cats and to understand demographic influences on prescribing practices. We distributed a survey to 36,676 veterinarians who were members of the Veterinary Information Network in January 2017. Within 3 weeks, 1056 practitioners completed the survey. The survey included demographic and background information, questions on prescribing frequency and dosing regimen of 13 drug and non-drug therapies and questions on preferred medication formulations and dosing frequencies. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as χ2 testing to evaluate relationships between demographic variables and prescription practices. Gabapentin was prescribed most frequently (71% of respondents), followed by joint supplements (67.8%), meloxicam (64.0%), opioids (62.6%), fish oil (62.1%) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (61.9%). Years in practice appeared to influence prescribing habits, with practitioners graduated for >20 years prescribing glucocorticoids more frequently than other age groups ( P = 0.0002), whereas recent graduates (<1 year) reported prescribing therapies less frequently across all categories. These results show a contrast between therapies prescribed by practitioners and what is supported by evidenced-based literature. Future research evaluating the safety and efficacy of gabapentin should be prioritised.