Osteoarthritis In Dogs Research Articles

Effects of a feed supplement, containing undenatured type II collagen (UC II®) and Boswellia Serrata, in the management of mild/moderate mobility disorders in dogs: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study.

This study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over trial performed to investigate the effects of a dietary supplement containing undenatured type II collagen (UCII®) and Boswellia Serrata on mobility, pain and joint metabolism in mild moderate osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. A total of 60 dogs with mobility problems were evaluated and enrolled in the study. Seventeen of these dogs with mild/moderate OA were randomized to receive the product A (UCII® + Boswellia Serrata supplement-UCII®-BW) or product B (Placebo -PL), 1 chew per day for 8 weeks by oral route, and repeated in a crossover design after 4 weeks of washout period. All the subjects had veterinary evaluations during the trial and owners were requested to fill out a questionnaire on mobility impairment using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in dogs scale (L.O.A.D.) at each time of the study. Objective tools were used to assess mobility, activity, and pain. Metabolomic analysis was performed on synovial fluid of most affected joint at the beginning and the end of the study. The results proved that UCII®+Boswellia serrata supplemented group over a period of eight weeks results in an improvement of mobility impairment, already at 4 weeks of administration, according to the owner´s evaluation. In contrast, its absence increased the risk of OA crisis and decreased the pain threshold on the most affected joint. Furthermore, the synovial fluid metabolic profile showed moderate differences between the beginning and the end of the supplementation period, with a particular influence associated to the time of UCII®-BW administration.

Cannabidiol plus krill oil supplementation improves chronic stifle osteoarthritis in dogs: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common orthopedic disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and pain in dogs and cats. Cannabis spp. contains cannabidiol (CBD), a substance with pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties in different animals including dogs with OA. The use of CBD supplements has been increasingly intertwining in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CBD + krill oil-supplemented biscuit against canine OA. In total, 30 dogs with stifle OA were randomized and divided into the placebo, krill oil, and CBD + krill oil groups. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire was used to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment against pain. Stifle temperature was monitored to identify degrees of stifle inflammation. Two and one dogs in the placebo group were excluded from the study due to worsening lameness and increased pain interference score (PIS) and pain severity score (PSS) at days 14 and 28, respectively.The PIS and PSS scores of the krill oil and CBD + krill oil groups gradually and significantly improved after two weeks of treatment. The CBD + krill oil group had better PIS and PSS scores than the placebo and krill oil groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the PIS and PSS scores between the krill oil and CBD + krill oil groups. The stifle temperature of the three groups at different periods did not significantly differ. In conclusion, CBD + krill oil supplements are safe against canine OA. CBD can reduce pain and inflammation.

Evaluation of different substance combinations in a multiple-session mesotherapy protocol for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs: a retrospective study.

To describe the effect of different substance combinations administered through mesotherapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. 104 dogs. In this retrospective study, 4 groups (dogs treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside [MG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and Traumeel [TG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and glucosamine [GG]; and dogs treated with the same combination as in MG combined with a photobiomodulation session [MPG]) were set. For all groups, the same treatment frequency was followed. Response to treatment was measured with the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score and pain severity score), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) before treatment and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of treatment, age, sex, body weight, breed, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals score. Dogs had a mean age of 7.6 ± 3.1 years and body weight of 28.6 ± 5.5 kg. Hip osteoarthritis was classified as mild (4), moderate (70), or severe (30). Greater improvements were observed in MG and MPG. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed MG and MPG had longer periods with clinically significant results. Treatment was the covariable that contributed more frequently to the outcomes observed. The combination used in MG, particularly combined with photobiomodulation, produced longer-lasting clinically significant results.

A prospective, randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study on the effect of a single session of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on signs of hip osteoarthritis in dogs

BackgroundCanine coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis is a common, painful and debilitating condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate if any measurable changes in pain or lameness occurred in this patient group immediately after a single treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Eight dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis presenting with signs of pain and lameness were prospectively recruited to this randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study. Subjects attended the research facility on two occasions for one active and one placebo treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The immediate effect of one pulsed electromagnetic field therapy treatment on pain and lameness was measured subjectively with the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and Visual Analogue Scale and objectively using a pressure sensitive walkway.ResultsA statistically significant difference (P = 0.03) for change in stride length in the affected limb was recorded for subjects between the active and placebo treatments with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Within the active treatment results, there was a statistically significant change in the measurement for reach (P = 0.04) and stride length (P = 0.047) which got shorter in the affected limb post treatment. For the subjective outcome measures, there was no statistically significant difference between the active and placebo treatments for the evening of the treatment day or the next morning from pre-treatment values. Within the placebo treatment results a statistically significant change (improvement) was detected in Visual Analogue Score (P = 0.03) between pre-treatment and the next morning values.ConclusionsThe findings of this study do not show demonstrable improvement in owner assessed pain levels or temporospatial performance in dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis immediately after a single application of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial of Polylactide-Collagen Scaffold in Treatment of Shoulder Osteochondritis Dissecans in Dogs.

The aim of our study was to investigate a degradable polylactide-collagen scaffold (COPLA) in the treatment of shoulder osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in dogs. The study was a controlled, randomized, blinded clinical trial with a parallel group design with a 1.5-year follow-up. Twenty dogs with uni- or bilateral shoulder OCD (29 shoulders) were randomized to receive a COPLA or arthroscopic debridement only (Control). The outcome of treatment was assessed with gait and stance analysis, passive range of motion measurement, pain and lameness evaluation, Helsinki Chronic Pain Index, and computed tomography (CT). Eighteen dogs (25 shoulders) completed the study. The clinical outcome variables improved significantly from baseline in COPLA and Control groups after treatment but no significant differences emerged between groups. Significantly fewer COPLA than Control shoulders had osteoarthritis (OA) in CT at 6 months (p = 0.019) but the difference was not significant at 1.5 years. At 1.5 years, all dogs were sound and pain-free in joint palpation, but OA was diagnosed in 13/18 dogs (18/25 shoulders) with CT. The results suggest that COPLA scaffold slowed down the development of OA at 6 months but it did not improve the clinical recovery or prevent OA in dogs with shoulder OCD in long-term follow-up at 1.5 years compared with arthroscopic debridement only. Regardless of the treatment method, clinical recovery was good, but OA developed in the majority of dogs.

Comparison of grapiprant and meloxicam for management of postoperative joint pain in dogs: A randomized, double-blinded, prospective clinical trial.

Grapiprant is a novel anti-inflammatory drug approved for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Compare the efficacy of grapiprant vs meloxicam for the management of postoperative joint pain in dogs. Forty-eight dogs presented with cranial cruciate ligament disease and treated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) between May 2020 and May 2022. In this randomized, double blinded, prospective clinical trial, client-owned dogs with naturally occurring unilateral cruciate ligament rupture were enrolled on the day of surgery. The day after surgery, all animals received a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg of meloxicam and were randomly assigned to receive either oral grapiprant (2 mg/kg) or meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg), once a day for 14 days, in a blinded manner. The primary endpoint of the study was the pain severity (PSS) and interference (PIS) scores, assessed by the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) at day 3, 7, 10 and 15 after the surgery. Three days after surgery, grapiprant treated dogs had lower PSS compared to meloxicam treated dogs with a mean ± SD of 2.76 ± 0.18 vs 3.25 ± 0.23, respectively (difference of -0.49 [95% CI -0.94 to -0.04], P = .032). Pain Interference Score was also lower in grapiprant group at day 3 (4.11 ± 0.18 vs 4.69 ± 0.16 in meloxicam group [difference of -0.58 {95% CI -1.03 to -0.13}, P = .013]) and at day 10 (2.23 ± 0.13 vs 2.72 ± 0.28 [difference of -0.49 {95% CI -0.92 to -0.01}, P = .049]). Our study supports the use of grapiprant as an alternative analgesic to meloxicam for management of postoperative joint pain in dogs.

Amorphous calcium carbonate as a novel potential treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs: a pilot clinical study.

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is a potential new treatment for canine osteoarthritis (OA) with novel mechanisms based on local pH modulation and targeting bone remodeling, inflammation, and pain. The aim of this pilot exploratory clinical study was to obtain initial data on the potential efficacy and safety of ACC in OA dogs and to determine if further investigation was appropriate using similar assessment methods. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study, 41 client-owned dogs were allocated in a 2:1 ratio to ACC: placebo given orally for 56 days. Efficacy assessments included improvements in pain and mobility using owner questionnaires [Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), Client Specific Outcome Measure (CSOM), and Veterinary Orthopedic Scores (VOS)]. Safety in the study population was monitored by veterinary examinations, clinical pathology, and adverse events. Fifty-three dogs were screened, of which 41 enrolled and served for the safety assessment. Thirty-six dogs were found evaluable for initial efficacy assessment. Three dogs given placebo (21.4%) and one given ACC (4.5%) were removed before day 56 due to owner-perceived pain and were considered treatment failures. There were no serious adverse events or clinically significant treatment-related effects in the study. Overall, ACC was found safe in the small study population. On day 56, proportionally more ACC than placebo dogs were treatment successes based on CBPI (45.5% vs. 21.4%) and CSOM (63.6% vs. 30.8%, respectively); however, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.15 and 0.06, respectively). On day 56, within the ACC group but not the placebo group, the CBPI, CSOM, and VOS assessments were lower compared to day 0 and day 14 (p < 0.05). The relatively small number of dogs limited the statistical power of the pilot study in evaluating the efficacy and safety of ACC. Study results support the conduct of larger, appropriately powered studies using similar assessments to confirm whether ACC may be a safe and effective treatment for OA in dogs.

Non-surgical pain management for hip joint disease in veterinary medicine.

The most common orthopaedic developmental disease in dogs is hip dysplasia. This condition results in coxofemoral laxity due to incongruity and lack of stabilisation of the joint by the soft tissues. Currently, there is no therapeutic plan to correct hip dysplasia without surgical intervention at a very early age. The goal of the non-surgical treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness and to increase the muscle strength, usually through hydrotherapy and the beneficial physical properties of water. Recently, there has been growing interest in regenerative medicine, which involves the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their products to alleviate the characteristic clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). In vivo studies with canine MSCs have shown that an intra-articular injection of MSCs into cartilage lesions leads to the excellent regeneration of the hyaline cartilage. Regenerative medicine has undergone rapid development in recent years thanks to new therapies based on the application and combination of innovative biomaterials. One of the first known regenerative methods to be used in clinical practice was platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This review summarises the use and potential of MSCs and PRP, including their in vitro properties, their therapeutic effects in the treatment of cartilage lesions in preclinical in vivo studies, their clinical efficacy in the treatment of naturally occurring OA in dogs, and the current limitations of the studies.

Timed up and go demonstrates strong interrater agreement and criterion validity as a functional test in geriatric dogs.

To measure interobserver agreement for 4 functional tasks and their summed geriatric functional score (GFS) and correlate tasks and GFS with client-specific outcome measurements (CSOMs): Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) pain severity, CBPI pain interference, and Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs. 89 geriatric dogs were recruited between April and September 2023 from staff, friends, and clients of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine with a median age of 11.0 years and weight of 26.4 kg. Dogs underwent 4 sequential functional tests: timed up and go (TUG), cavallettis, figure 8s, and down to stands. Two observers independently scored each dog. The GFS was calculated based on the summed scores of the individual tests. Additional information collected included signalment, weight, measurements reflecting the comorbidities of aging (body condition score and muscle condition score), and CSOMs. Strong interrater agreement was found for all functional tests. The TUG in seconds (sTUG) and figure 8s demonstrated significant (P < .05) moderate to strong correlations to all CSOMs. The GFS showed similar significant correlations with all CSOMs except CBPI pain severity; however, when correlating individual tests to CSOMs, only figure 8s and TUG were significantly contributing to GFS results. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis defined highly functional dogs as those completing the sTUG in under 3.83 seconds. The sTUG represented the best test for geriatric function given it was objective, reliable, correlated well to CSOMs, and could help identify highly functioning dogs. The sTUG appears to be the first practical and reliable functional test of canine geriatric mobility.

Short-term outcomes of 43 dogs treated with arthroscopic suturing for meniscal tears associated with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

To describe short-term outcomes and complications in dogs receiving meniscal suturing and concurrent tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) with or without augmentation with an extracapsular suture. Retrospective case series. Forty-three client-owned dogs submitted for cruciate ligament disease. Dogs were included if meniscal suturing was performed during or after a TPLO procedure. Criteria included an unstable medial meniscus without evidence of a tear, a caudal vertical longitudinal tear with or without displacement, or if a bucket-handle tear was debrided and the remaining rim was unstable. Stifle stabilization was performed by either a standard TPLO or an augmented TPLO (TPLO + internal brace [IB]). Outcome measures included physical examination findings, radiographs, subjective gait examination, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scores, and second-look arthroscopy. Forty-four meniscal repairs were performed in 43 dogs. Five types of meniscal tears were treated employing eight suture materials. Complications were documented in 15 cases (34%). The stabilization technique had a significant impact on the outcome (p = .049): TPLO + IB had a 93.3% success rate and the success rate was 71.4% in the TPLO-only group. Five types of meniscal pathology were addressed successfully in the study, indicating that currently accepted criteria for meniscal suturing in dogs may be overly conservative. The majority of complications were not related to the meniscal suturing itself and did not compromise the outcome. The stifle stabilization technique had an impact on outcome. The authors found arthroscopic meniscal suturing to be practical and successful in this patient population. Postoperative stifle stability had an impact on successful treatment.

Translation and linguistic validation into Spanish of the Owner-Reported Outcome Measure "Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs".

Assessing chronic pain in dogs has been greatly favoured by the development of Owner-Reported Outcome Measures. Among them, the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) has been widely used for this purpose. Most of these tools have been written in English and its use by non English natives requires not only translation but also linguistic validation for use by veterinarians and owners. For its use, the LOAD has not undergone translation into Spanish and the objective was to generate a linguistically validated Spanish translation of the LOAD. Following the World Health Organisation and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research published guidelines, the original LOAD English version underwent analysis and translation by two native linguists proficient in the target language. Both translations were then reviewed by a third native linguist to identify potential disparities and establish a cohesive translation (reconciliation). Subsequently, an independent linguist, fluent in both English and the target language, conducted the back translation. Finally, the research team compared the original and back translated versions to pinpoint and resolve any significant differences. Following the creation of the translated version, a cognitive debriefing was conducted to assess the questionnaire within the target population. A total of 89 surveys were distributed to dog owners of varying ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Although there were some suggestions and comments, and some adjustments were made, all respondents found the survey to be clear, achieving a linguistic validation of the Spanish LOAD.

TTA-Rapid for treating the canine cruciate deficient stifle: Medium to long-term outcome and analysis of risk factors.

This study aimed to evaluate medium to long-term outcomes following treatment of lameness associated with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency using the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)-Rapid technique and to investigate risk factors associated with outcome, including tibial plateau angle (TPA). Patient records for cases treated over an 80-month period were examined retrospectively. An owner postal questionnaire using a clinical metrology instrument (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) evaluated the outcome at least 6 months after surgery. A total of 149 procedures were carried out in 120 dogs. Questionnaires were received for 64 dogs (53.3%), with a median follow-up time of 37.5 months. Outcome was judged to be satisfactory, based on frequency of lameness, in 63 (98.4%), while satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 61 (95.3%) based on severity of lameness and in 50 (78.1%) based on mobility score. Statistical analysis showed that age, bodyweight, TPA, meniscal injury and concurrent patellar surgery did not influence outcome, but time to follow-up positively correlated with mobility score. This study involved one surgeon in one centre with outcome data based on the completion of an owner questionnaire, although this used a validated clinical metrology instrument. TTA-Rapid offers a treatment option for cranial cruciate-deficient stifles with a good medium to long-term outcome, and no risk factors were identified to suggest any limitations to its use.

Long term outcomes of the Humeral Intracondylar Repair System for management of canine humeral intracondylar fissures and humeral condylar fractures.

To document long-term client-reported clinical outcomes and complications for the Humeral Intracondylar Repair System (HIRS) for treatment of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) and humeral condylar fractures (HCF) in dogs. Data collection involved the review of clinical records and analysis of an owner questionnaire regarding complication occurrence and client-reported outcome. The "Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs" (LOAD) instrument was incorporated into the questionnaire. Twenty-six cases of HIF and 14 cases of HCF were included in the study, with follow-up times of over 12 months (range 13-97 months). Thirty-seven out of 40 cases reached long-term follow up: 25 out of 26 HIF cases, 11 out of 11 lateral condylar fracture cases and one out of three dicondylar fracture cases. Two cases of HIF suffered a gradual return of lameness in the long term; both dogs had concomitant medial coronoid disease. No other complications were reported in the long term. Excluding cases with concurrent issues affecting exercise, the median LOAD score at follow-up was 4 and 5 (out of 52) for HIF and HCF cases, respectively. At long-term follow-up, 36 out of 37 cases were reported to have regained "full function of the limb." The results of this study, together with previously reported short and medium-term outcomes, support the use of HIRS for management of humeral intracondylar fissures and humeral condylar fractures.

Response to treatment with grapiprant as part of a standard multimodal regimen in young dogs with appendicular joint osteoarthritis associated pain.

The response to medical management of young dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) associated pain has not been evaluated. Using an open-label design, the effectiveness, over a 4-month period, of standardized management (grapiprant/fish oil/exercise) for treating OA pain in young dogs was evaluated. Included dogs were 9 months-4 years of age; ≥3.6 kg body weight; had ≥1 appendicular joint with radiographic OA and obvious joint pain; had a Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) score of ≥5. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory piprant (grapiprant) was given at the recommended dose daily, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was initiated at 100 mg/kg and then increased to 200 mg/kg daily, and leash exercise was gradually increased to a target of 60 min daily. Client-reported outcome measures (CROMs) and force plate gait analysis were collected at baseline and monthly for 4 months. The index limb was defined as the most severely affected limb at baseline. Forty-eight dogs were enrolled (mean ± SD age of 30.7 ± 10.7 months). Hips, elbows, and stifles were commonly affected. Medication and supplement compliance was excellent (≥95% of target administered), and treatments were well-tolerated. CROMs showed significant improvement over time and at each time point. Overall, peak vertical force (PVF) increased significantly (<0.001), and vertical impulse increased numerically. Increase in PVF from baseline was significant at all time points except 4-months. This study demonstrates a clinically meaningful benefit of a multimodal treatment regimen over a 4-month period for young dogs (<4 years old) with OA-pain. Future work should determine if early, effective treatment is of long-term benefit.

GenPup-M: A novel validated owner-reported clinical metrology instrument for detecting early mobility changes in dogs.

To use a previously validated veterinary clinical examination sheet, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire, combined with kinetic and kinematic gait analysis in dogs with/without mobility problems to demonstrate the capacity of a novel clinical metrology instrument ("GenPup-M") to detect canine mobility impairments. Quantitative study. 62 dogs (31 with mobility impairments and 31 without mobility impairments). The dogs' clinical history was obtained from owners and all dogs underwent a validated orthopaedic clinical examination. Mobility impairments were diagnosed in the mobility impaired group based on clinical history and orthopaedic examination. Owners were asked to complete GenPup-M along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD)) to identify construct validity. As a test of criterion validity, the correlation between instrument scores and the overall clinical examination scores, along with force-platform obtained peak vertical forces (PVF) were calculated. GenPup-M underwent internal consistency and factor analysis. Spatiotemporal parameters were calculated for dogs with/without mobility impairments to define the gait differences between these two groups. Principal Component Analysis identified GenPup-M had two components with Eigenvalues >1 ("stiffness/ease of movement" and "willingness to be active/exercise"). Cronbach's α was used to test internal consistency of GenPup-M and was found to be "good" (0.87). There was a strong, positive correlation between GenPup-M and LOAD responses (r2 = 0.69, p<0.001) highlighting construct validity. Criterion validity was also shown when comparing GenPup-M to clinical examination scores (r2 = 0.74, p<0.001) and PVF (r2 = 0.43, p<0.001). Quantitative canine gait analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between peak vertical forces (PVF) of mobility impaired and non-mobility impaired dogs (p<0.05). Analyses of PVF showed that non-mobility impaired dogs more evenly distributed their weight across all thoracic and pelvic limbs when compared to mobility impaired dogs. There were also consistent findings that mobility impaired dogs moved slower than non-mobility impaired dogs. GenPup-M is a clinical metrology instrument (CMI) that can be completed by dog owners to detect all mobility impairments, including those that are early in onset, indicating the versatility of GenPup-M to assess dogs with and without mobility impairments. Results of the study found that GenPup-M positively correlated with all three objective measures of canine mobility and consequently showed criterion and construct validity. Owner-reported CMIs such as GenPup-M allow non-invasive scoring systems which veterinary surgeons and owners can use to allow communication and longitudinal assessment of a dog's mobility. It is anticipated that GenPup-M will be used by owners at yearly vaccinations/health checks, allowing identification of any subtle mobility changes, and enabling early intervention.

Establishment of an image evaluation grading criteria for experimental stifle joint osteoarthritis in dogs: an X-ray and CT imaging study

BackgroundThis study aimed to establish an image evaluation grading criteria for experimental stifle joint osteoarthritis (OA) in anterior cruciate ligament transection induced OA beagle dog models. The severity of OA was assessed using X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging.ResultsA total of 32 dogs (8 controls and 24 OA-induced dogs) were included in the study. The OA-induced group showed significantly higher manual joint palpation, gait analysis, and OA severity scores than the control group. Based on these two results, we calculated correlation coefficients. There was a strong positive correlation between manual joint palpation scores and OA severity on diagnostic imaging and between gait analysis scores and OA severity.ConclusionsThe developed grading criteria based on radiographic evaluation correlated with clinical assessments. The study also employed CT imaging to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of early-stage OA change detection in the stifle joint. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and multiple evaluators are recommended for the validation and generalizability of this grading system. These established image evaluation grading criteria can help evaluate and monitor the efficacy of interventions and changes in OA lesions in canine models.

Thai veterinarians' perceptions of cannabidiol products for dogs with osteoarthritis: a qualitative interview study.

The global popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) led to its approval for human use in Thailand and potential use in animals. Many studies revealed CBD's efficacy in treating chronic osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. To facilitate tailored CBD product development for canine OA and ensure market success, this study explores Thai veterinarians' perception of CBD for canine OA. In-depth interviews were conducted with experienced veterinarians who treated OA in ≥25% of their canine patients. Interview questions covered treatment, CBD perception, and adoption. Interviews were held from January to March 2023. Eleven out of twenty invited veterinarians participated in the study. Though all favored non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for OA in dogs, concerns about adverse reactions, including ulcers and renal failure, emerged. CBD was widely known and was perceived positively for pain, inflammation, cancer, and epilepsy. However, half distinguished CBD from marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Ten expressed willingness to prescribe CBD for OA upon robust clinical evidence. Worries centered on product consistency and impurities. Many suggested CBD should be under veterinarians' supervision at first, but this can be relaxing once safety and efficacy are established. CBD products should be chewable tablets, oils, or gelatin capsules with flavors like beef, liver, pork, fish, or seafood. Though CBD benefits were recognized, knowledge gaps among the participants persisted, warranting robust CBD safety, efficacy, and quality evidence to ensure Thai market success. Comprehensive education, including continuing education for those in practice and incorporating CBD-related topics into the Schools of Veterinary's curriculum, is recommended.

A Preliminary Report on the Combined Effect of Intra-Articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections and Photobiomodulation in Canine Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is highly prevalent in the canine population. Due to the multiple dimensions of the disease, a multimodal approach is usually favored by clinicians. To evaluate the combined treatment with intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and photobiomodulation in dogs with bilateral hip OA, thirty dogs were assigned to a PRP group (PRPG, n = 10), a photobiomodulation group (PBMTG, n = 10), or a combined therapies group (PRP+PBMTG, n = 10). The PRPG received two intra-articular administrations of platelet-rich plasma 14 days apart. The PBMTG received photobiomodulation with a therapeutic laser, with three sessions every other day in week one; two sessions in week two; a single session in week three; and one session/month on follow-up evaluation days. The PRP+PBMTG received the two combined therapies. The response to treatment was evaluated with weight-bearing distribution and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory, the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs, and the Canine Orthopedic Index. Evaluations were conducted before treatment and +8, +15, +30, +60, and +90 days after initial treatment. Normality was assessed with a Shapiro-Wilk test, and the groups' results in each evaluation moment were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. Animals of both sexes (male n = 19, female n = 11) were included in the sample, with a mean age of 7.8 ± 2.5 years and a body weight of 26.5 ± 4.7 kg. Joints were classified as mild (n = 6, three in PRPG, two in PBMTG, and one in PRP+PBMTG), moderate (n = 18, six in PRPG, five in PBMTG, and seven in PRP+PBMTG), and severe (n = 6, one in PRPG, three in PBMTG, and two in PRP+PBMTG). No differences were found between groups at the initial evaluation. All treatments produced clinically significant improvements compared to the assessment on treatment day. The combination of PRP and photobiomodulation produced greater, longer-lasting improvements. PRP and photobiomodulation can improve objective outcomes and client-reported outcome measures in dogs with OA. Their combined use leads to greater, longer-lasting, clinically significant improvements.

Bacterial DNA and osteoarthritis in dogs with patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

The association between bacterial DNA in stifle joints, including those with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial patellar luxation (MPL), and osteoarthritis in dogs remains elusive. This study investigated the potential association between the detection of bacterial DNA and osteoarthritis in dogs using a broad-range polymerase chain reaction technique targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Synovial fluid (35 samples) and knee tissue samples (32 samples) were obtained from 35 dogs diagnosed with CCLR (n = 20; 11 males and nine females) or MPL (n = 15; five males and 10 females) who underwent a surgical operation between October 2014 and April 2015. Dogs with CCLR had a higher average osteoarthritis score than those with MPL (2.0 ± 0.9 vs. 0.5 ± 0.9; p = 0.005). Bacterial DNA was detected in the stifle joints of 60.71% of dogs with MPL. Pelomonas spp. (25.00%), Halomonas spp. (17.86%), and 5 other species (17.86%) were the most frequently identified bacteria. Bacterial DNA was detected in 41.03% of dogs with CCLR. Pelomonas spp. (15.38%), Sphingomonas spp. (10.26%), Halomonas spp. (5.13%), and 4 other species (10.26%) were the most frequently identified bacteria. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of bacterial DNA obtained from tissue samples (46.88%) or joint fluid samples (51.43%). The presence of bacterial DNA was not associated with the type of knee injury (MPL or CCLR; p = 1.000). There was a higher prevalence of bacterial DNA in samples from dogs with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis (94.44%) than in those with minimal osteoarthritis (41.18%), and a significant association between the presence of bacterial DNA and moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis was identified (p < 0.01). Dogs with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis were more likely to have bacterial DNA in their stifle joints than those with no or minimal osteoarthritis. These findings provide valuable insight into the potential role of bacterial DNA in joint tissue or joint fluid and the development of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Minimal clinically-important differences for the "Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs" (LOAD) and the "Canine Orthopedic Index" (COI) in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in companion animals. Several client-report outcome measures (CROMs) have been developed and validated to monitor patients and their response to treatment. However, estimates for minimal clinically-important differences for these CROMs in the context of osteoarthritis have not been published. Data from the Clínica Veterinária de Cães (Portuguese Gendarmerie Canine Clinic) clinical records were extracted. Baseline and 30-day post-treatment follow-up data from 296 dogs treated for hip osteoarthritis were categorized based on an anchor question, and estimates of minimal clinically-important differences (MCIDs) using distribution-based and anchor-based methods were performed. For the LOAD, the anchor-based methods provided a MCID estimate range of -2.5 to -9.1 and the distribution-based methods from 1.6 to 4.2. For the COI, the anchor-based methods provided a MCID estimate range of -4.5 to -16.6 and the distribution-based methods from 2.3 to 2.4. For the dimensions of COI, values varied from -0.5 to -4.9 with the anchor-based methods and from 0.6 to 2.7 with the distribution-based methods. Receiver operator characteristic curves provided areas under the curve >0.7 for the COI, indicating an acceptable cut-off point, and >0.8 for the LOAD, indicating an excellent cut-off point. Our estimates of MCIDs for dogs with OA were consistent with previously proposed values of -4 for the LOAD and -14 for the COI in a post-surgical intervention context. ROC curve data suggest that LOAD may more reliably differentiate between anchor groups. We also presented estimates from COI of -4 for Stiffness, Function, and Gait and -3 for quality of life. These estimates can be used for research and patient monitoring.