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Effects of feeding a high omega-3 fatty acids diet in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis
Abstract
The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded trial was to compare the effect of a veterinary therapeutic diet (VTD) rich in omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) from fish origin to a regular diet used as control (CTR) over a period of 13 weeks in dogs afflicted by naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). Thirty privately owned dogs were selected. Dogs had lameness confirmed by an orthopaedic examination, had stifle/hip OA and had locomotor disability based on the peak of the vertically oriented ground reaction force (PVF) measured using a force platform. At Baseline, all owners were asked to determine 2-5 activities of daily living that were the most impaired. Activities were scores (0-4) in accordance with severity using case-specific outcome measures (CSOM). The PVF was also measured. Dogs (15/group) were then randomly assigned to receive either the CTR or the VTD. The CSOM was completed twice weekly. The recording of PVF was repeated at Week 7 and 13. The VTD-fed dogs showed a significantly higher PVF at Week 7 (p < 0.001) and at Week 13 (p < 0.001) when compared to Baseline. From Baseline to Week 13, VTD-fed dogs had a mean (± SD) change in PVF recording of 3.5 ± 6.8% of body weight (%BW) compared with 0.5 ± 6.1%BW (p = 0.211) in CTR-fed dogs. This change in primary outcome was consistent with an effect size of 0.5. Conversely, dogs fed the CTR did not show significant change in PVF measurements. At the end of the study, the CSOM was significantly decreased (p = 0.047) only in VTD fed dogs. In lame OA dogs, a VTD that contains high level of omega-3 from fish origin improved the locomotor disability and the performance in activities of daily living. Such nutritional approach appears interesting for the management of OA.
... 13 Nutritional management, including the feeding of therapeutic diets formulated for joint health, dietary supplementation with selected nutraceuticals, and facilitation of weight loss when needed, may help to prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. 3,4,11,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] ...
... 19 Administration of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with improved overall weight-bearing ability; ability to rise from resting, play, and walk; and lameness scores for dogs and with increased activity, increased ability to jump, and decreased lameness scores for cats. 1,3,6,13,17,19,20 The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on pain are also supported by findings that dogs receiving fish oil supplements had sufficient improvement to allow a decrease in or discontinuation of NSAID treatment (a finding reported for nearly half of the dogs [24/52] that received fish oil in 1 report 18 ) without any changes in signs of pain or joint stiffness. 13,14,18 It is important to note, however, that providing omega-3 fatty acids by administration of fish oil supplements can be complicated and unpleasant for owners. ...
... A multimodal approach to therapy is key for management of joint disease, and appropriate nutrition is an important factor that can slow disease progression, decrease signs of pain, and potentially increase an animal's life span. 3,4,6,13,14,17,22,48,62 Nutritional management, including weight management and dietary supplementation with products such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, and GLM in appropriate amounts, may increase patient mobility [18][19][20][21]23 and allow for reduced NSAID use. 18,62 The easiest way for veterinarians and clients to combat the effects of osteoarthritis in pets may be the use of therapeutic diets formulated for joint health, which have been associated with the ability to reduce NSAID dosage in osteoarthritic dogs. ...
... Data from seven peer-reviewed published clinical trials in dogs with naturally occurring OA (Moreau et al. 2003(Moreau et al. , 2004(Moreau et al. , 2013b(Moreau et al. , 2014bRialland et al. 2013) were included in this retrospective analysis. All the data were owned by the present authors. ...
... (placebo) control, dogs were fed a commercial diet (Dog Chow; Nestl e Purina, MO, USA) for 30 days and then a green-lipped mussel enriched diet (Mobility Support JS; Medi-Cal/Royal Canin, ON, Canada) for 60 days (Rialland et al. 2013). Trial 2 dogs were fed an omega-3 fatty acid enriched diet (Joint mobility JM; Nestl e Purina) or an experimental (placebo) formulation without omega-3 fatty acid (Nestl e Purina) for 91 days (Moreau et al. 2013b). All diets were fed as recommended by the manufacturer guidelines. ...
... *Percentage significantly different compared with expected value (p < 0.05). Trial 1, Rialland et al. (2013); Trial 2, Moreau et al. (2013b); Trial 3, Moreau et al. (2012); Trial 4, Moreau et al. (2004); Trial 5, Moreau et al. (2014b); Trial 6, Moreau et al. (2007); and Trial 7, Moreau et al. (2003). ...
Objective:
Reporting the rate of positive (+) and negative (-) responders based on an objective outcome measure of pain-related functional disability/lameness in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA), and the relationship between initial lameness severity and the odds of being a (+) responder.
Study design:
Retrospective analysis of published peer-reviewed clinical trials in dogs with naturally occurring OA.
Animals:
Dogs (n = 213) with hip and/or stifle afflicted-joints.
Methods:
A responder analysis was undertaken using a previously determined cut-off value of ±2.0% of body weight using the peak of vertical force (PVF). Among the selected trials, PVF was acquired under similar conditions. Therapeutic approaches were therapeutic diets, natural health products and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Results:
Among dogs receiving a therapeutic approach as described above (n = 121), 62.8% [95% confidence interval, 53.9-70.9] were defined as (+) responders, whereas 11.6% [7.0-18.5] were (-) responders, accounting for a net (+) response rate by 51.2% [42.0-60.4]. In dogs receiving a negative control (n = 92), the net (+) response rate was 1.1% [0.0-5.9]. The number needed to treat was 4, and the effect size 0.7 [0.4-1.0]. The odds ratio of being a (+) responder under the therapeutic approaches was 2.85 [1.57-5.17] (p < 0.001). For every less severe lameness manifested with an increment in PVF by 1% body weight, the chance of being a (+) responder following treatment decreased by 9% (odds ratio 0.91 [0.86-0.97], p = 0.006).
Conclusion and clinical relevance:
The rate of (+) responder optimizes decision making for the management of pain-related clinical signs of OA. Evidence-based medicine was further supported by clinical metrics based on an objective outcome measure of pain-related functional disability/lameness. This study also revealed that dogs with a mild lameness are less prone to be improved, emphasizing the need to carefully manage OA dogs in spite of a more subtle affliction.
... Of note, the potential of several therapeutic approaches has been tested in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the canine natural OA model using force platform gait analysis as an outcome measure of pain-related functional impairment. These tested compounds include non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Budsberg et al., 1999;Moreau et al., 2003Moreau et al., , 2007, therapeutic diets (Moreau et al., 2012b;Rialland et al., 2013;Roush et al., 2010) as well as natural substances (naturaceuticals) used to restore or maintain good health status (Hielm-Bjorkman et al., 2009;Moreau et al., 2004Moreau et al., , 2012a. The latter therapeutic class is considered by the authors as natural health products (NHPs) which originate from plants, fruits and vegetables, animals, microorganisms and marine sources. ...
... Such an objective evaluation tool was previously used to measure the disability that characterized human OA patients as well as their response to treatment (Detrembleur et al., 2005;Gok et al., 2002;Messier et al., 1992;Schnitzer et al., 1993). Similarly, alterations from normality were detected in OA dogs based on the measurement of the PVF (Madore et al., 2007) while strong improvements in the pain-related limb disuse were reported for several therapeutic approaches including NSAIDs (Budsberg et al., 1999;Moreau et al., 2003), a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes , therapeutic diets (Moreau et al., 2012b;Rialland et al., 2013;Roush et al., 2010) and NHPs (Hielm-Bjorkman et al., 2009;Moreau et al., 2004Moreau et al., , 2012a. ...
... However, effect sizes are not commonly reported in canine models of OA, which compromise comparisons among studies. Nevertheless, the effect size reported herein was similar to other therapeutic approaches including a therapeutic diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids of fish origin (Moreau et al., 2012b) as well as a plant extract from Brachystemma calycinum D don (Moreau et al., 2012a). ...
An oral herb-based natural health product (NHP) was evaluated in the canine natural osteoarthritis model. At Baseline, the peak vertical force (PVF, primary endpoint) and case-specific outcome measure of disability (CSOM) were recorded in privately-owned dogs. Dogs (16/group) were randomized to receive NHP formulations or a negative control. The PVF was measured at week (W) 4 and W8. Daily locomotor activity was recorded using accelerometer. The CSOMs were assessed bi-weekly by the owner. The NHP-treated dogs (n=13) had higher PVF at W4 (p=0.020) and W8 (p<0.001) when compared to Baseline. The changes at W8 were higher than control dogs (n=14, p<0.027) and consistent with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.0 to 1.5). The NHP-treated dogs had higher locomotor activity at W8 (p=0.025) when compared to Baseline. No significant change was observed for the CSOM. The NHP improved the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in this model.
... IL1b and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa)] [36,37], enzymes (e.g. papain and collagenase) [42,43] or chemicals [e.g. mono-iodoacetate (MIA)] [38][39][40][41], has been shown to induce pathologic changes that resemble OA. ...
... Finally and closely linked to clinical OA, animal patients (e.g. dogs and cats) were also used as models to assess the effects of nutraceuticals in studies focusing on improvement of life quality [42][43][44]. ...
... By contrast, oral supplementation of nutraceutical represents a more physiological approach and can be managed autonomously by the patient. In animal studies, oral administration has been performed via gastric gavage [27,28,[38][39][40] control of the administered dose compared with diet supplementation [26,34,43,44,[49][50][51]. Nevertheless, oral administration must take into account both the manufacturing process and compound stability (e.g. ...
... owner questionnaires using non-validated scoring systems. Both Hielm-Björkman et al. (2012) and Moreau et al. (2013) used objective gait analysis to determine peak vertical force (PVF) and verti-3 cal impulse (VI). Moreau et al. (2013) found that the omega-3-infused diet improved locomotor and performance abilities, as well as increased PVF, suggesting that the dogs were inclined to load more weight on the arthritic limbs. ...
... Both Hielm-Björkman et al. (2012) and Moreau et al. (2013) used objective gait analysis to determine peak vertical force (PVF) and verti-3 cal impulse (VI). Moreau et al. (2013) found that the omega-3-infused diet improved locomotor and performance abilities, as well as increased PVF, suggesting that the dogs were inclined to load more weight on the arthritic limbs. Hielm-Björkman et al. (2012) also found greater PVF values and QOL scores, compared to a significant deterioration in veterinary assessments in the placebo group. ...
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease process that affects a significant proportion of the canine population, impacting these animals' quality of life. Currently, there is no cure and treatment consists of managing the clinical signs of pain and reduced mobility. There are many treatments for canine osteoarthritis and in this review we discuss the evidence base behind non‐pharmaceutical, non‐surgical treatments of this disease. These treatments include weight management, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, physiotherapies such as therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy as well as other therapeutic modalities including photobiomodulation therapy, electromagnetic field therapy and others.
... Given that joint supplements, specifically glucosamine and chondroitin, have not been shown conclusively to be clinically effective in preventing arthritis or reducing pain either in dogs or humans (14,34), it is interesting that dog owners provide these supplements to their dogs at a higher rate than themselves (70% of those with an OA diagnosis). We must note, however, that there do appear to be significant improvements in limb function and associated decreases in pain with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in dogs (35)(36)(37); however, this effect is lower than benefits that can be achieved with appropriate medical management (18). There was a mild increase in joint supplement use with owner age (Table 1), suggesting older owners may be more aware of OA. ...
... Approximately half of all DAP participants have uploaded veterinary electronic medical records, so future studies will be able to verify these diagnoses. There also are differences across joint supplements, with omega-3s having more evidence of improved joint mobility than others like glucosamine (35)(36)(37). As we examined all joint supplements as a group and many dogs are taking more than one joint supplement, if there is a significant effect on the dog, we will not be able to determine which supplement potentially had an effect on OA. ...
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.
... In dogs with a higher risk factor for OA, a diet with focus on joint health is ideal to ensure that the dietary ingredients included support the musculoskeletal system. In particular, omega 3 FAs have shown to be effective in reducing the signs and progression of OA (30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38), although it is important to provide adequate dosing (39). Most joint health focused diets have omega 3 FAs at varying dosing ranging from 0.59 to 10.11 g/1,000 kcal, with many brands being under 3.5 g/1,000 kcal (40). ...
... As described below ALA is not an adequate substitute and food should quantify actual levels of DHA and EPA. In most cases, additional DHA/EPA supplementation is required to reach the scientifically recommended minimum dose of 100 mg/kg daily DHA/EPA (32). The type of omega 3 FA supplementation for adequate conversion to DHA/EPA should be based on current scientific evidence. ...
The Canadian consensus guidelines on OA treatment were created from a diverse group of experts, with a strong clinical and/or academic background in treating OA in dogs. The document is a summary of the treatment recommendations made by the group, with treatments being divided into either a core or secondary recommendation. Each treatment or modality is then summarized in the context of available research based support and clinical experience, as the treatment of OA continues to be a multimodal and commonly a multidisciplinary as well as individualized approach. The guidelines aim to help clinicians by providing clear and clinically relevant information about treatment options based on COAST defined OA stages 1–4.
... Krill oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are beneficial for the treatment of canine OA [30,84,85,64,100]. Krill oil is an excellent source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with enhanced oral absorption (14; 57; 94). ...
... PUFAs (EPA and DHA) protect activation of autophagy in chondrocytes by modulating mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, thereby exerting an anti-OA effect [106,32,35]. In a number of clinical studies, omega-3 fatty acids, singly or in combination with other anti-OA nutraceuticals, have been shown to improve OA in dogs and cats without side effects [21,104,30,84,85,64]. ...
... Diets with high omega-3 fatty acid content have also been recommended for management of osteoarthritis in dogs. [11][12][13][14] Improvements in peak vertical force, 11,12 as well as subjectively assessed evidence of lameness, 12 and some physical activities 13 were found in dogs that received omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diets, but not control diets, in various studies. Results of 1 study 14 revealed that the omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet was associated with a more rapid decrease in carprofen dosage for signs of lameness in osteoarthritic dogs, compared with that for dogs fed a control diet. ...
... Diets with high omega-3 fatty acid content have also been recommended for management of osteoarthritis in dogs. [11][12][13][14] Improvements in peak vertical force, 11,12 as well as subjectively assessed evidence of lameness, 12 and some physical activities 13 were found in dogs that received omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diets, but not control diets, in various studies. Results of 1 study 14 revealed that the omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet was associated with a more rapid decrease in carprofen dosage for signs of lameness in osteoarthritic dogs, compared with that for dogs fed a control diet. ...
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid and protein–enriched diet, physical rehabilitation, or both on radiographic findings and markers of synovial inflammation in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and arthroscopic surgery for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease.
DESIGN Randomized, prospective clinical trial.
ANIMALS 48 dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease.
PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a dry omega-3 fatty acid and protein–enriched dog food formulated to support joint health (test food [TF]), a dry food formulated for adult canine maintenance (control food [CF]), TF plus rehabilitation, or CF plus rehabilitation after surgery. Synovial fluid prostaglandin (PG) E 2 and interleukin-1β concentrations, radiographic osteoarthritis scores, osteotomy site healing, and patellar ligament thickness were assessed at predetermined time points up to 6 months after surgery.
RESULTS Dogs that received CF had significantly higher PGE 2 concentrations over time following surgery than did dogs that received TF, regardless of rehabilitation status. Synovial fluid interleukin-1β concentrations did not change over time in any groups. Diet and rehabilitation were both associated with osteoarthritis scores, with significantly lower scores over time for dogs that received TF versus CF and for dogs that underwent rehabilitation versus those that did not. Proportions of dogs with complete osteotomy healing 8 and 24 weeks after surgery were significantly lower for dogs that received TF than for dogs that received CF, regardless of rehabilitation status.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that feeding the TF can result in lower synovial fluid PGE 2 concentrations and that both the TF and rehabilitation can reduce progression of osteoarthritis in the 6 months following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy; clinical relevance of slower osteotomy healing in dogs fed the TF was unclear.
... Several feeding studies Mehler, May, King, Harris, & Shah, 2016;Moreau et al., 2013;Roush et al., 2010) have suggested that dietary supplementation with marine n-3 fatty acids is beneficial in the treatment of canine OA. Two classes of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important as part of a healthy dog diet: the n-6 fatty acids, for example, arachidonic acid (AA), which are present in meat and vegetable oils, and the n-3 fatty acids, for example, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which both are found predominantly in marine feed. ...
... Here, we present evidence that adds further weight to the benefits of feeding a diet rich in EPA and DHA reported in OA dogs in vivo Moreau et al., 2013;Roush et al., 2010) and ...
Although it is well recognized that dietary supplementation with fish oil improves clinical symptoms in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, the molecular basis for the dietary benefit is not yet completely resolved in dogs. This study was designed to further clarify how polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) affect key factors of cartilage degeneration in a canine cell culture system mimicking osteoarthritis. Canine chondrocytes were incubated either without or with 10 μm of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA) or 3.6 μm ibuprofen (Ibu) as positive control for 6 days. After the supplementation, cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml interleukin-1β (IL-1β) for another 48 hr to induce osteoarthritic changes, or left unstimulated. We analysed fatty acid uptake via gas–liquid chromatography, nitric oxide (NO) production via Griess assay, prostaglandin E (PGE) production via ELISA and relative gene expression of several cartilage matrix proteinases, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 via RT-qPCR. After supplementation, the chondrocytes rapidly incorporated the PUFA into their fatty acid pools. The stimulation with IL-1β caused a marked increase of most of the inflammatory markers measured. N-3 PUFA EPA reduced IL-induced gene expression of iNOS and corresponding production of NO. N-6 PUFA AA also decreased iNOS and NO, but furthermore lowered gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3. On the other hand, AA upregulated the aggrecanase ADAMTS-5 and augmented the release of PGE. The effect of n-3 PUFA DHA turned out to be negligible. Our results reveal molecular mechanisms by which PUFA affect degenerative joint disease in dogs. Of particular importance is that not only EPA but also AA decreased several inflammatory markers in our model. Thus, we conclude that an appropriate balance of both n-3 and n-6 fatty acids deserves more attention in dietary interventions.
... Three randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials compared regular food and commercial therapeutic diets containing fish meal and/or fish oil (4-6). EPA and DHA levels in each veterinary diet were identical: 0.24 (4, 5) or 0.30 g/MJ (6). The reference foods contained negligible amounts of the two omega-3s, but also differed from the test foods as to ingredients and various nutrients. ...
... Baseline values were not given (4) or comprehensive score changes were -0.19 and -0.37 for controls and probands (5). In the third study (6), owners graded the most impaired activities of their dogs on a 0-4 scale (0 = no problem). Mean change in score was -0.4 for the controls and -0.7 for the test dogs. ...
Fish oil in mobility foods for dogs Dogs afflicted by degenerative joint disease move slower and have trouble when getting up from a lying position. The pain prompts the dog to diminish use of the joint. Motion becomes more and more restricted and lameness may develop. Most of the dogs concerned are older and suffer from so-called osteoarthritis. Sham treatment of canine osteoarthritis generally leads to improvement as perceived by owners and investigators. This placebo effect may be caused by positive expectancy and/or spontaneous course of the disease. Bias is excluded when assessors do not know which dogs are receiving real or placebo treatment. Double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials are considered the gold standard in clinical studies. If an intervention induces greater improvement than placebo treatment it is truly effective. Marine fish oils are rich in the omega-3 fatty acids named eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Model studies suggest that EPA and DHA suppress both inflammation-induced pain and degeneration of joint cartilage. Thus, the two omega-3s might fight osteoarthritis. Proof of efficacy must come from well-designed trials in dogs with osteoarthritis. In its simplest design, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involves forming of two groups of osteoarthritic dogs, assessing baseline severity of disease status, administering an intervention or placebo treatment to the groups and collecting follow-up assessment. The changes over time in joint impairment are compared to see if the reduction in pre-existing severity of osteoarthritis differs between actively-treated dogs and placebo controls. The overall results of five studies indicate that fish oil consumption has very weak impact in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Fish oil supplements In 1992, Miller et al. (1) published a non-blinded, non-controlled study on oral administration of capsules containing a variety of fatty acids, including EPA, to 22 dogs with symptomatic pelvic arthritis. The authors suggested tentatively that the improvement in symptoms seen in six excellent responders was due to the supplement. Twenty years after the open study, Hielm-Björkman et al. (2) reported their randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study on fish oil supplementation. The study (2) comprised of osteoarthritic dogs receiving either fish oil (n = 35) or corn oil with fish smell (n = 36) for 16 weeks. A 30-kg test dog consumed 0.42 g EPA and 0.09 g DHA per MJ of metabolizable energy. Owners quantified their dogs' lameness on a 10-cm line (0 cm = no lameness; 10 cm = worse possible). Group-mean changes were-0.5 and-0.3 cm for control and test dogs. The minus sign represents a decrease in severity. Veterinarians assessed mobility on a 0-12 scale (0 = no difficulty) and noted changes of +0.2 and-0.3.
... www.nature.com/scientificreports/ PUFA supplementation in diet on the progression of OA and reduction of associated pain were demonstrated in various animal models, such as the diet-induced obesity murine model 10 , the destabilization of medial meniscus murine model 11,12 , the anterior cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits 13 , dogs with hip or stifle OA [14][15][16][17] or OA-prone Dunkin-Hartley Guinea pigs 18 . In humans, some studies have investigated the link between dietary PUFAs and clinical signs of OA. ...
... [28] In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids are included for their beneficial properties. [29] Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit the potential for differentiation into chondrocytes, facilitating the repair of OA lesions on injection into the affected site. [30] Platelet-rich plasma, enriched with growth factors, induces angiogenesis and chondrocyte proliferation, while mitigating processes such as chondrocyte apoptosis when injected into the IA space of the OA-affected joint. ...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifaceted joint disorder affecting various structures, including articular cartilage, peri-articular bone, synovial joint lining, and connective tissues. This degenerative condition manifests as joint pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and functional decline, impacting both dogs and humans globally. Risk factors include breed predispositions, joint diseases, higher body weight, and age. The current clinical approaches aim at symptom management and disease progression delay, with limited curative methods available. Nanoparticle (NPs)-based drug delivery systems, particularly curcumin liposomal formulations, show promise in OA treatment. Liposomes, lipid-based NPs, provide targeted drug distribution, extended-release, and enhanced retention in affected joints. Curcumin, a tetraterpenoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Despite its efficacy, poor oral bioavailability led to the development of curcumin NPs to enhance therapeutic impact. Intra-articular administration of curcumin, especially in the form of curcumin monoglucuronide, addresses challenges associated with low hydrophilicity, demonstrating effectiveness in suppressing cartilage degeneration in OA. While non-encapsulated curcumin exhibits efficacy, its limited bioavailability prompts innovative approaches like curcumin NPs. The combination of curcumin with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or chondroprotective agents enhances anti-inflammatory effects, minimizing adverse reactions. Studies support curcumin’s multifaceted therapeutic potential, promoting chondrogenic differentiation and inhibiting inflammatory mediators. This comprehensive review provides insights into canine OA treatment, emphasizing curcumin liposomal formulations as a promising avenue for informed decision-making in veterinary practice.
... Lameness can be attributed to a variety of issues, including pathogen infections, osteoarthritis, leg conformation defects, and injury or trauma. Literature in other species has demonstrated the ability of n-3 PUFA to improve osteoarthritis (Knott et al., 2011;Moreau et al., 2012) and moderate local catabolic factors of bone (Watkins, 2003;Shen et al., 2006;Robison and Orth, 2015). Additionally, a high n-6:n-3 has been positively associated with a reduced rate of bone formation (Watkins et al., 2000), while a lower n-6:n-3 has been shown to modulate bone prostaglandin production (Al-Nouri et al., 2012) and reduce fracture incidence (Toscano et al., 2015). ...
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary linoleic acid level and the ratio of linoleic acid:linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance, expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and inflammatory status of grow-finish pigs. A total of 300 growing pigs (BW = 41.1 ±6.3 kg) were randomly assigned to either a high (30 g/kg; HLA) or low (15 g/kg; LLA) dietary linoleic acid level with a high (23:1; HR), moderate (13:1; MR) or low (4:1; LR) dietary LA:ALA in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Diets were fed across three 28-day phases and were balanced for dietary metabolizable energy. Pigs were housed 5 pigs per pen in single-sex pens. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 21, 42, and 84, and synovial fluid was collected from the hock joint on d 0 and 84 for inflammatory marker analysis. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with initial body weight as a covariate, pen as the experimental unit, and LA level, LA:ALA, sex, phases, and their interactions as fixed effects. Compared to HLA, LLA pigs tended to have increased BW at d 56 and d 84 (P = 0.088). There was no effect of LA × LA:ALA for growth performance. For the overall d 0 - 84 growth period, pigs fed HR had increased ADG compared to MR, with pigs receiving LR performing intermediate of MR and HR. Gilts receiving HR diets had increased d 84 BW compared to gilts receiving the low and moderate LA:ALA (P = 0.006), which was a result of improved overall d 0 - 84 ADG compared to gilts receiving the MR diets (P = 0.023). Barrows fed LR had improved BW on d 56 compared to MR and HR and higher final BW compared to HR, with MR performing intermediately (P = 0.006). This was a result of greater d 0 - 84 ADG (P = 0.023). Overall, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were reduced in the plasma of pigs over time (P ≤ 0.037). Across all treatments, CRP and TNFαwere reduced in the hock and carpus synovial fluid on d 84 vs. d 0 (P ≤ 0.049). In conclusion, LA:ALA ratios utilized in this study can be fed at varying linoleic acid levels without impacting growth or inflammation. Additionally, LA:ALA ratios can differentially impact the growth of gilts and barrows.
... www.nature.com/scientificreports/ PUFA supplementation in diet on the progression of OA and reduction of associated pain were demonstrated in various animal models, such as the diet-induced obesity murine model 10 , the destabilization of medial meniscus murine model 11,12 , the anterior cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits 13 , dogs with hip or stifle OA [14][15][16][17] or OA-prone Dunkin-Hartley Guinea pigs 18 . In humans, some studies have investigated the link between dietary PUFAs and clinical signs of OA. ...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease and a fast growing cause of disability. Current pharmacological treatments include antalgics and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and inflammation as well as slow acting drugs such as intra-articular (IA) administration of hyaluronic acid. Oral supplementation or diet rich in polyunsaturated free fatty acids are proposed but evidence for benefit is still under debate. We here investigated the therapeutic potential of ARA 3000 BETA, an injectable copolymer of fatty acids, at the structural level in OA. Collagenase-induced osteoarthritis model was induced in C57BL/6 mice by collagenase injection into knee joint. Mice were treated with one or two IA or four intra-muscular injections (IM) of ARA 3000 BETA. At sacrifice, knee joints were recovered for cartilage analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and bone analysis by micro-computed tomography system. OA histological scoring was performed after safranin O/fast green staining. Histological analysis revealed a protective effect against cartilage degradation in treated knee joints after IM and IA administration. This was confirmed by CLSM with a significant improvement of all articular cartilage parameters, including thickness, volume and surface degradation whatever the administration route. A slight protective effect was also noticed on subchondral bone parameters and knee joint calcification after IM administration and to a lesser extent, two IA injections. We demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of injectable ARA 3000 BETA in OA with a protection against cartilage and bone alterations providing the proof-of-concept that clinical translation might be envisioned to delay disease progression.
... While fish oil as a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have anti-inflammatory properties, diets in this study had 0.22% omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids calculated on a dry matter basis. This low inclusion percentage aligns with control diets used when evaluating therapeutic omega-3 levels for dogs (0.18% vs. 1.47%; Moreau et al., 2012). ...
Yeast-derived 1,3/1,6 beta-glucans may alter host immunity to produce robust and quickly resolved responses that align with companion animal health goals. In adult dogs, immunomodulation by yeast 1,3/1,6 beta-glucans in extruded kibble diet have not been well-documented. The study objective was to evaluate systemic immune responses in dogs fed kibble diets with two yeast 1,3/1,6 beta-glucans doses before and after vaccine challenge. Twenty-four adult Labrador Retrievers were assigned to 3 dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet (control) supplemented with 0.012 or 0.023% (0.5 or 1X, respectively) yeast 1,3/1,6 beta-glucan with equal sex representation within each treatment (8 dogs/diet). Animals were fed experimental diets for a 29d acclimation period, after which baseline blood samples were collected before administration of a combination canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and adenovirus-2 vaccine. Blood samples were collected weekly for 21d following vaccination with whole blood for CBC analysis, serum for titer and cytokine assays, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated for flow cytometric immune cell profiling. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure with diet and timepoint fixed effects. Serum titer was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (SAS 9.4; P≤0.05). Prior to vaccination, beta-glucan diets did not affect serum cytokines, antibody titer, or immune cell populations. In the first 7 days post-vaccination (dpv), PBMC CD21 low B cells increased in 36.5-58.1% in all groups but the magnitude of change was lesser in the 0.5X beta-glucan diet resulting in 25.6% lower CD21 low populations compared to control-fed dogs (P=0.007). By 21dpv, B cell populations recovered to baseline levels in dogs fed 1X beta-glucan, but CD21 high cells remained elevated 50.5% in dogs fed 0.5X beta-glucan diets compared to baseline (P<0.0001). While no differences in serum titer or cytokines were observed, feeding both beta-glucan diets maintained stable blood monocytes whereas a 53.0% decrease between baseline and 14dpv was observed in control-fed dogs (P=0.01). Collectively, these outcomes suggest that a 1X dose of 1,3/1,6 yeast beta-glucan in extruded kibble diets altered monocytes associated with trained immunity, did not reduce PBMC CD21 low B cell responsiveness, and simultaneously contributed to B cell population resolution by 21dpv in adult dogs. Additional research to assess the functionality of these changes is needed.
... Category 1. Omega-3-enriched therapeutic diets Green-lipped mussels [21][22][23][24] Fish oil [25][26][27][28][29] Category 2. Omega-3-based nutraceuticals Green-lipped mussels [ The null hypothesis was that no statistically significant difference existed between the scores of the five categories for trial quality or analgesic efficacy. For statistical analyses, we used R ® software (Version 4.0.3, ...
With osteoarthritis being the most common degenerative disease in pet animals, a very broad panel of natural health products is available on the market for its management. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis, registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021279368), was to test for the evidence of clinical analgesia efficacy of fortified foods and nutraceuticals administered in dogs and cats affected by osteoarthritis. In four electronic bibliographic databases, 1578 publications were retrieved plus 20 additional publications from internal sources. Fifty-seven articles were included, comprising 72 trials divided into nine different categories of natural health compound. The efficacy assessment, associated to the level of quality of each trial, presented an evident clinical analgesic efficacy for omega-3-enriched diets, omega-3 supplements and cannabidiol (to a lesser degree). Our analyses showed a weak efficacy of collagen and a very marked non-effect of chondroitin-glucosamine nutraceuticals, which leads us to recommend that the latter products should no longer be recommended for pain management in canine and feline osteoarthritis.
... After removing duplicates, titles and abstracts of 3,970 papers were screened, and 35 articles were found eligible for full-text screening. Four did not perform any pain tests [34][35][36][37], eight examined neuropathic pain or mixed pain models consisting neuropathic pain [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45], and two used a drug as an intervention [46,47]. Backward and forward tracking resulted in three extra articles [48][49][50]. ...
Background: Although diet is an essential aspect of human health, the link between diet and pain is still not well understood. Preclinical animal research provides information to understand underlying mechanisms that allow identifying the needs for human research.
Objectives: This study aims to give a systematic overview of the current evidence from preclinical studies regarding the analgesic and pronociceptive effects of various diets in non-neuropathic, non-cancer, or non-visceral acute and chronic pain models.
Study Design: A systematic Review
Setting: This study examined studies that investigate the analgesic and pronociceptive effects of various diets in non-neuropathic, non-cancer, or non-visceral acute and chronic pain models.
Methods: This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42019133473. The certainty of evidence was examined by a modified GRADE approach.
Results: After the screening process twenty-four eligible papers were included in this review. Nineteen studies examined acute pain, nine studies chronic inflammatory pain, and four studies assessed both acute and chronic pain models.
Limitations: Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a meta-analysis was not included in this study.
Conclusions: In animal models, excessive saturated, monounsaturated or omega-6 polyunsaturated fat ingestion and diets rich in fats and carbohydrates can decrease pain sensitivity in acute nociceptive pain, whereas it can induce mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain. Additionally, diets rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients, as well as a calorie-restricted diet can promote recovery from primary mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain.
... 93 There is, at this time, greater evidence for the benefit of EPA supplementation compared with glucosamine-chondroitin products in companion animals. 87,94,95 Two small studies have suggested some benefit for the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in cats with DJD/OA. ...
Practical relevance
An understanding of the process of musculoskeletal ageing – which all senior and geriatric cats will experience – is vital to maintaining the health and welfare of our ageing cat population.
Clinical challenges
Assessment of the feline musculoskeletal system is not always straightforward. Diagnosis of impairment relies on input from owners and veterinarians in terms of visual observation, and clinical and orthopaedic examination, in addition to diagnostic imaging
Audience
This review is written for the primary care veterinary team.
Aims
The goals are to raise awareness and improve clinical diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairment as a result of ageing. The article also reviews therapeutic options and considers the evidence available for the prevention/deceleration of musculoskeletal ageing and impairment.
Evidence base
There is good evidence of a high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease (DJD) in older cats. There is also good evidence to indicate that functional impairment and chronic pain are sequelae of musculoskeletal disease. However, there is a paucity of information for what is best practice for the management and treatment of musculoskeletal impairment in a clinical situation. There is also a lack of evidence on how prevention of central stimulation of the nervous system caused by musculoskeletal impairment and, in turn the development of chronic pain, can be avoided.
... There is substantial evidence that polyunsaturated fatty acids from vegetable and fish oil (e.g., eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and linoleic acid) exert important benefits in a range of veterinary diseases, from atopic dermatitis [5][6][7] to renal insufficiency [8,9] and cognitive dysfunction syndrome [10]. Moreover, omega-3 essential fatty acids have been widely and successfully applied to osteoarthritis [11][12][13][14][15], similarly to glucosamine [16][17][18][19] and the organosulfur compound methylsulfonylmethane [4]. Thus, the interaction between illness, health, and nutritional status is multifactorial and complex. ...
Virtually every cellular process is affected by diet and this represents the foundation of dietary management to a variety of small animal disorders. Special attention is currently being paid to a family of naturally occurring lipid amides acting through the so-called autacoid local injury antagonism, i.e., the ALIA mechanism. The parent molecule of ALIAmides, palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA), has being known since the 1950s as a nutritional factor with protective properties. Since then, PEA has been isolated from a variety of plant and animal food sources and its proresolving function in the mammalian body has been increasingly investigated. The discovery of the close interconnection between ALIAmides and the endocannabinoid system has greatly stimulated research efforts in this field. The multitarget and highly redundant mechanisms through which PEA exerts prohomeostatic functions fully breaks with the classical pharmacology view of “one drug, one target, one disease”, opening a new era in the management of animals’ health, i.e., an according-to-nature biomodulation of body responses to different stimuli and injury. The present review focuses on the direct and indirect endocannabinoid receptor agonism by PEA and its analogues and also targets the main findings from experimental and clinical studies on ALIAmides in animal health and wellbeing.
... Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in significant improvement in weight bearing and lameness. When the effects of diets containing either 1.47% omega-3 and 1.86% omega-6 fatty acids (ω-6:ω-3 ratio of 1.3) or 0.18% omega-3 and 2.43% omega-6 fatty acids (ω-6:ω-3 ratio of 13.6) were compared in dogs with OA over a 13-week period, dogs on the high omega-3 fatty acid diet displayed improved locomotor ability and performance of daily living activities (Moreau et al. 2013). Moreover, the results of a randomized controlled study suggested that dietary supplementation at the 3.5% level with omega-3 fatty acids in dogs with chronic OA receiving carprofen (a NSAID) to manage pain may allow for the reduction of carprofen dosage (Fritsch et al. 2010b). ...
Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds that may be used to prevent and treat diseases and to promote health. They include vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive chemical compounds, such as omega fatty acids. This chapter discusses the potential benefits of omega fatty acids to animals, including their use in treating osteoarthritis, atopy, inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions, renal and cardiovascular diseases, lipid and metabolic disorders, and cancer. Additionally, the effects of omega fatty acids on neurological development, behavior, and cognitive function are summarized along with recommended dosing levels and potential adverse effects such as immune function impairment, platelet dysfunction, and altered glucose and lipid metabolism.
... This finding is in agreement with previous studies suggesting omega-3 supplementation is associated with a decreased risk of lymphoma in humans 35,36 and can delay onset of T-cell lymphomas in mice. 37 If corroborated in future studies, 40,41 In future studies, detailed information about omega-3 use, dose, duration of use, and composition (ie, ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to docosahexaenoic acid) would be valuable to determine, because this information was not available in our data set. Doing so also would aid in the ability to evaluate effect modification of omega-3 use and inflammatory disorders. ...
Background
T‐zone lymphoma (TZL), an indolent disease in older dogs, comprises approximately 12% of lymphomas in dogs. TZL cells exhibit an activated phenotype, indicating the disease may be antigen‐driven. Prior research found that asymptomatic aged Golden Retrievers (GLDRs) commonly have populations of T‐zone‐like cells (phenotypically identical to TZL) of undetermined significance (TZUS).
Objective
To evaluate associations of inflammatory conditions, TZL and TZUS, using a case‐control study of GLDRs.
Animals
TZL cases (n = 140), flow cytometrically diagnosed, were identified through Colorado State University's Clinical Immunology Laboratory. Non‐TZL dogs, recruited through either a database of owners interested in research participation or the submitting clinics of TZL cases, were subsequently flow cytometrically classified as TZUS (n = 221) or control (n = 147).
Methods
Health history, signalment, environmental, and lifestyle factors were obtained from owner‐completed questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression, obtaining separate estimates for TZL and TZUS (versus controls).
Results
Hypothyroidism (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1‐0.7), omega‐3 supplementation (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1‐0.6), and mange (OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.4‐21.1) were significantly associated with TZL. Gastrointestinal disease (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 0.98‐5.8) had nonsignificantly increased TZL odds. Two shared associations for TZL and TZUS were identified: bladder infection or calculi (TZL OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 0.96‐12.7; TZUS OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.9‐13.7) and eye disease (TZL OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.97‐5.2; TZUS OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.99‐3.8).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
These findings may elucidate pathways involved in TZUS risk and progression from TZUS to TZL. Further investigation into the protective association of omega‐3 supplements is warranted.
... 34 Although not investigated in this study, diet may also influence stifle joint health. 35 In the current study, 56.3% of dogs had medical conditions in addition to CrCL deficiency. This finding is not surprising since comorbidities increase with age, 36 and the median age of dogs in our study was 9 years. ...
The objective of this study was to describe the patient population of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficiency that were prescribed a stifle orthosis. A total of 215 client-owned dogs with previously diagnosed CrCL deficiency were prescribed stifle orthosis at a veterinary pain management and mobility clinic. Patient intake data collected included dog signalment, chief medical complaint, home environment and activity description, medical and surgical history, and diagnosing veterinarian. An orthopedic examination was conducted to assess pelvic limb function and determine pelvic limb morphologic measures. Spayed females (57.2%) were most common in our sample. Median age, body weight, and body condition score were 9.00 ± 3.23 years, 32.98 ± 13.37 kg, and 6.00 ± 1.04, respectively. Most common breeds that were prescribed stifle orthoses included Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Right and left limbs were equally affected, and 19.5% of dogs previously had stifle stabilization surgery. Primary reasons for seeking a stifle orthosis consultation were surgical concerns, advanced age, and surgery cost. Most common chief complaints included altered gait, decreased weight bearing, and pain following activity. Reduced stifle extension, increased cranial drawer score, and decreased 3-leg stance time characterized the CrCL-deficient stifle. Stifle orthosis represents an alternative approach to surgical stabilization and management of CrCL deficiency. CrCL-deficient dogs prescribed stifle orthoses were generally large breeds of advanced age with above ideal body condition score. Owners commonly sought a stifle orthosis for CrCL deficiency due to reservations regarding surgical management.
... Four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have assessed the impact of dietary fish oil on the severity of clinical signs in osteoarthritic dogs (11)(12)(13)(14). On a 0-10 scale, the mean placebocorrected improvements were 0.1, 0.4, 0.8 and 4.2 units so that clinical relevance is open to dispute. ...
Mobility dog foods are based on wobbly evidence Mobility impairment due to osteoarthritis is a common canine disease. Affected dogs are reluctant to walk and may show symptoms of chronic pain and lameness. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and inflammatory condition caused by degradation of cartilage matrix in joints. The marketplace offers a wide variety of mobility dog foods claiming to support joint health. Veterinary mobility foods are indicated for treatment of canine osteoarthritis. The mobility claims are linked to supplements (functional ingredients) from a pool of some 13 ostensible candidates. Effective supplements provoke better joint function in dogs than a placebo as substantiated by meaningful, statistically significant and reproducible effects. So far, efficacy evaluation comprised treatment rather than prevention of osteoarthritis. Clinical trials must be double-masked to neutralize the generally observed placebo effect in dogs with osteoarthritis. The most commonly used additions, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, were ineffective in four out of five double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials in osteoarthritic dogs (1-5). In four such trials, greenlipped mussel had no or meaningless effect (1, 6-8). Curcumin showed unconvincing efficacy in one study (9). Boswellia resin was only tested in an open, non-controlled trial (10). Green tea alone, methyl sulfonyl methane, devil's claw, mulberry and grape extracts are untested in dogs. Four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have assessed the impact of dietary fish oil on the severity of clinical signs in osteoarthritic dogs (11-14). On a 0-10 scale, the mean placebo-corrected improvements were 0.1, 0.4, 0.8 and 4.2 units so that clinical relevance is open to dispute. Gelatin hydrolysate and beta-1,3/1,6-glucans had positive effects of 1.3 and 0.5 units (15, 16), but reproducibility is unknown. The three substances likely have different mechanisms of action, implying that the combination works synergistically, but this remains to be demonstrated. Fish oil, gelatin hydrolysate and beta-1,3/1,6-glucans each showed a small, positive effect on osteoarthritic signs. Does the effect size seen experimentally extend to that of mobility foods carrying the ingredients concerned? In other words, are preparation and dosing identical for trial and food, and does functionality survive petfood processing? These questions may be answered by the petfood manufacturer. Literature 1. Dobenecker B, Beetz Y, Kienzle E. A placebo-controlled double-blind study on the effect of nutraceuticals (chondoitin sulfate and mussel extract) in dogs with joint disease as perceived by their owners. J Nutr 2002; 132: 1690S-1691S. 2. Moreau M, Dupuis J, Bonneau NH, Desnoyers M. Clinical evaluation of a nutraceutical, carprofen and meloxicam for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Vet Rec 2003; 152: 323-329.
... However, n-3 fatty acids inhibit n-6 fatty acid induced-cytokine expression [11]. More recently, it has been shown that veterinary therapeutic diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids improved the locomotor disability and the performance in activities of daily living of OA dogs [12]. A beneficial effect was also shown in OA-prone Dunkin Hartley strain guinea pigs on a diet rich in long chain omega 3 fats with an improvement of OA degree and severity [13]. ...
In inflammatory joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, there is an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β. These cytokines stimulate the expression and release of matrix metalloproteases (MMP), leading to the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix and subsequently mobility difficulty and suffering for patients. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of a fatty acid copolymer in in vitro and in vivo models of cartilage inflammation.
Inflammation was mimicked in vitro by treatment of human articular chondrocytes with interleukin-1β. Effects of a co-treatment with a copolymer of fatty acids (Ara 3000 beta®) were determined by evaluating MMP production by RT-PCR and ELISA, NO release by Griess assay, and PGE2 expression by ELISA. In addition, in vivo analysis (evolution of weight and edema) were also performed after injection of Freund adjuvant in rats treated or not with the copolymer of fatty acids.
The copolymer of fatty acids clearly reduces inflammation in joint. In vitro, it impairs IL1 stimulated-MMP production and release, as well as the release of NO and PGE2 and the activation of NFκB. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using adjuvant induced-arthritis corroborates the anti-inflammatory effects of the copolymer of fatty acids, with a reduction of edemas, erythemas and ankylosis in arthritic rats.
The results support the hypothesis that a copolymer of fatty acids, such as Ara 3000 beta®, is a powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, suggesting that it has a potential for preventing cartilage degradation associated with chronic inflammatory joint disease.
... Weight control diets fortified with omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be effective at reducing signs associated with both canine and feline DJD. [111][112][113][114] Thermal modification in acute injury, including surgical areas, cold compression has a demonstrable benefit in reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting return to function. 115 in the case of chronic injury, heat can improve comfort and function through a variety of mechanisms. ...
The robust advances in pain management for companion animals underlie the decision of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to expand on the information provided in the 2007 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines. The 2015 Guidelines summarize and offer a discriminating review of much of this new knowledge.
Pain management is central to veterinary practice, alleviating pain, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing both quality of life and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. These Guidelines support veterinarians in incorporating pain management into practice, improving patient care.
The management of pain requires a continuum of care that includes anticipation, early intervention, and evaluation of response on an individual patient basis. A team-oriented approach, including the owner, is essential for maximizing the recognition, prevention and treatment of pain in animals.
The Guidelines include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities to manage pain; they are evidence-based insofar as possible and otherwise represent a consensus of expert opinion. Behavioral changes are currently the principal indicator of pain and its course of improvement or progression, and the basis for recently validated pain scores. Post-surgical pain is eminently predictable but a strong body of evidence exists supporting strategies to mitigate adaptive as well as maladaptive forms. Chronic pain is dominated by degenerative joint disease (DJD), which is one of the most significant and under-diagnosed diseases of cats and dogs. DJD is ubiquitous, found in pets of all ages, and inevitably progresses over time; evidence-based strategies for management are established in dogs, and emerging in cats.
© ISFM and AAFP 2015.
... Therefore, drug research and development often rely on randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials with sequential GRF measurements to support pain alleviating properties of therapeutic compounds under investigation. In most cases, improvement is translated as an increment over the initial condition, as previously noted following non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (50)(51)(52)(53), complementary and alternative medicine (50,54,55), and veterinary therapeutic diets (56). Clinical improvement is further indicated when the change in GRF exceeds the one observed with a negative control (placebo) or when similar to a positive control such as a homologated treatment (55). ...
Over the past 2 decades the measurement of ground reaction forces (GRF) has been extensively used in dogs and cats to gain insights on normal locomotion, discrepancies under pathologic conditions, and biomechanical changes following surgical procedures. Ground reaction forces have become a well-established outcome measure of pain-related functional impairment in animals affected by experimental and naturally occurring osteoarthritis. This paper comprehensively reviews the nature of GRF and presents arguments regarding its measurement in osteoarthritis research.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly affecting elderly individuals, and the chronic pain it causes significantly impacts the quality of life of affected dogs. First, we will focus on the joint, the physiopathology of osteoarthritis, and the mechanisms of arthritic pain production, and then discuss the existing treatments. There are numerous treatments available for managing this complex osteoarticular condition, but unconventional therapies are increasingly of interest to owners of canine species. Phytotherapy harnesses the healing properties of plants for treatment in a less toxic, more natural, and more cost-effective manner, offering a wide range of therapeutic options for animals. The objective of this review is to evaluate the present evidence backing treatments for canine osteoarthritis. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, piprants, monoclonal antibodies, adjunctive analgesics, structuremodifying osteoarthritis drugs, phytotherapy, and regenerative therapies.
Essential fatty acid plays a major role in the health of canines. They are required for the functioning of smooth muscles, internal organs, brain, and skin. The deficiency of fatty acids in the body will be exhibited in different clinical signs. Often this will be overlooked and the clinician will follow a conventional approach in diagnosis and therapy. If the condition is improving then further tests will be done and a clinical trial of drugs will be followed. But considering the importance of nutritional medicine, it is imperative to look into the possibilities of nutrition driven disorders inn animals. In this article we are emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition
especially need of the fatty acids in the diet of canines for their proper health with a scientific detailing of Omega-3, Omega-6.
The canine pet care industry is steadily growing because of increasing number of households with dogs as
principal companions. Canine owners strive to sustain well-being of pets by providing proper care and diet. Like
humans, canine health is influenced by diet and gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome. The GI microbiome is a
metabolically dynamic organ that is linked to canine health because of its role in nutrient digestion and absorption.
Canine foods are normally formulated to contain basic nutrients, but recently, pet diets have been
modified to include functional foods that target improvement of gut microbiome health (probiotics, prebiotics,
synbiotics, and postbiotics) and/or provision of essential nutrients (polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytonutrients).
Although several studies have confirmed the positive impact of supplements on chronic enteropathies, allergies,
etc, recent canine health and gut microbiome research has only focused on characterization of symptoms caused
by diseases. Less research has been devoted to providing insight into effects of functional foods on canine gut
microbiome and overall health. Understanding how functional foods improve canine health through GI microbiome
may reveal opportunities for the enhancement of overall canine health and resilience. Thus, in this paper,
we focus on the impact of functional foods on the GI microbiome and its ultimate effect on overall health and
well-being of the canine host.
Obesity has become a major health issue in dogs. Obesity in dogs increases the risk of many chronic diseases and chronic low-grade inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a therapeutic weight loss (TWL) diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs. Thirty overweight and obese dogs were randomized into two groups with 15 dogs per group based on key baseline parameters and allotted to either a control or TWL diet for 6 months. At the start of the study, the control group had 6 females and 9 males with mean age of 9.12 ± 0.48 (mean ± SEM) years; there were 7 females and 8 males with mean age of 9.73 ± 0.63 years in the TWL group. The control group and the TWL group had comparable body weight (34.78 ± 0.76 kg and 34.63 ± 0.86 kg, respectively), % body fat (39.77 ± 1.18 and 39.89 ± 0.93, respectively), and body condition score (BCS) (7.80 ± 0.14 and 7.67 ± 0.16 on a 9-point BCS scale, respectively). The control diet was formulated based on the macronutrient ratio of a commercial metabolic diet, and the TWL diet was enriched with dietary protein, fish oil, and soy germ meal. Both diets were fortified with essential nutrients to account for caloric restriction during weight loss. Dogs were fed 25% less than baseline maintenance energy requirement (MER) for the first 4 months and if they did not reach a body condition score (BCS) of 5, they were fed 40% less than baseline MER for the last 2 months. Body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Postprandial glucose profiles were determined by continuous glucose monitoring devices. Serum samples were collected for analyses of blood parameters, hormones, and cytokines. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.3, with significance being P < 0.05. At the end of the study, the control group and the TWL group had comparable weight loss (-5.77 ± 0.31 kg and -6.14 ± 0.32 kg, respectively; P = 0.4080). But the TWL group lost significantly (P = 0.034) more body fat (-13.27 ± 1.28%) than the control group (-9.90 ± 1.23%). In addition, the TWL diet completely prevented loss of lean body mass (LBM) in dogs compared with baseline. Dogs fed the TWL diet had significantly lower fasting serum cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, leptin, mean postprandial interstitial glucose, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with dogs fed the control diet. In summary, the TWL diet prevented loss of LBM, promoted weight loss and metabolic health, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in overweight and obese dogs during weight loss.
Kinetic gait analysis and ground reaction forces (GRFs) have been used in hundreds of scientific manuscripts. Specific methodology, interpretation of results, and translation to clinical veterinary medicine have been inconsistent. This impedes the advance of veterinary medicine and poses a risk to patients. The objective of this report was to address methodological variations and share our consensus on a recommended approach with viable alternatives to data collection methods, analysis, reporting, and interpretation for GRFs in the dog. Investigators with experience performing kinetic gait analysis reviewed the literature and discussed the topics that most influenced GRF data collection, reporting, and interpretation. Methodological variations were reported and a consensus from the group was devised. There are several reasonable alternatives to collect, report, and interpret GRFs in dogs appropriately. Attention to detail is required in several areas to collect and report them. This review and consensus report should assist future investigations and interpretations of studies, optimize comparison between publications, minimize use of animals, and limit the investment in cost and time.
Background/aim:
The aim of this study is to identify and describe randomized controlled studies evaluating the therapeutic effect of EPA and DHA supplementation in companion animal diseases.
Materials and methods:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed database and the information collected was summarized and evaluated according to the risk of bias, using the revised Cochrane tool (RoB2).
Results:
Twenty-three studies were eligible for inclusion: twenty performed in dogs and three in cats. A therapeutic benefit was found in canine allergic dermatitis, haircoat disorder, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, valvular disease, and canine and feline osteoarthritis. Dogs diagnosed with chronic heart failure and lymphoma and cats with allergic dermatitis also seem to benefit from supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, but studies with improved methodological quality are needed to strengthen this evidence.
Conclusion:
EPA and DHA supplementation has proven benefits in the adjuvant treatment of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in dogs and cats.
Senior dogs and cats commonly present to veterinary clinics for wellness examinations and for illness. Nutritional needs change in healthy elder pets compared with the young adult life stage. Veterinary health care teams must provide nutritional assessments and individual recommendations, recognizing there is no defined nutrient profile for seniors. Individual variation prevents a one-size-fits-all approach. Advancing age places pets at risk for developing medical conditions. Early detection can lead to earlier nutritional intervention to support recovery, health, and quality of life. However, comorbidities may present a nutritional conundrum, requiring prioritization of problems and nutritional triage to balance needs.
Currently, more than 46 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis. Arthritis is also prevalent in other species, including canine and equine. Among all forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form, afflicting nearly 27 million adults. The other common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Among animal species, canine and equine are more prone to arthritis than other species. A large number of factors, such as aging, excessive exercise, obesity, genetic predisposition, immune disorders, poor nutrition, injury, and infection, can lead to OA. Presently, the use of nutraceuticals appears to be a good option to treat or manage OA, because they are taken orally, well-tolerated, and safe. However, some nutraceuticals exert adverse effects. This chapter describes, in brief, the characteristics of OA, pathophysiology of OA, and efficacy, safety, and toxicity of some commonly used nutraceuticals.
In dogs, decreasing telomere length is a biomarker for cellular aging. On a systemic level, aging affects the locomotor system in particular, leading to restricted joint mobility. As aging is thought to be related to oxidative stress, it may be counteracted by a diet enriched with antioxidants, mitochondrial cofactors and omega-3 fatty acids. This randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study examined the influence of an accordingly enriched diet compared to a control diet on 36 young and 38 old shepherd dogs. At the outset, after 3 and after 6 months, mean and minimum telomere lengths were measured. Furthermore, minimum and maximum joint angles and range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle and tarsal joints were measured by computer-assisted gait analysis. A positive influence of the enriched diet on old dogs could be verified for minimum telomere length and all three parameters of the shoulder joint on the side with the higher vertical ground reaction force after 6 months. In the other joints there were less significant differences; in some cases they indicated a contrary influence of the enriched diet on young dogs, probably due to its reduced protein content. The greater effect of the enriched diet on minimum than on mean telomere length may be due to the higher preference of telomerase for short telomeres. The greater effect on shoulder joint mobility is explained by the greater influence of musculature and connective tissue in this joint. For elderly dogs it is advisable to feed these nutritional supplements.
Résumé
L’association entre obésité et arthrose a un temps été considérée comme résultant uniquement d’une augmentation des charges mécaniques, mais il est probable que des facteurs systémiques interviennent également dans la physiopathologie de l’arthrose. L’excès de nutriments aboutissant à l’obésité peut provoquer une lipotoxicité qui pourrait être impliquée dans l’apparition de l’arthrose. Les différents types d’acides gras ont des effets distincts sur l’inflammation. Cette revue explore les études disponibles qui résument les effets des différents types d’acides gras sur l’arthrose et les tissus articulaires touchés. Des études chez l’animal ont montré que des acides gras poly-insaturés oméga 3 atténuaient l’expression des marqueurs de l’inflammation, de la dégradation du cartilage et du stress oxydatif dans les chondrocytes. À l’inverse, ces marqueurs ont augmenté sous la stimulation d’acides gras poly-insaturés oméga 6 et d’acides gras saturés. En outre, une diminution des douleurs et des troubles fonctionnels a été mise en évidence chez des chats et des chiens recevant une supplémentation en oméga 3. De la même manière, la plupart des études in vitro chez l’être humain révèlent une action pro-apoptotique et pro-inflammatoire des acides gras saturés. Tous les acides gras poly-instaurés ont réduit les marqueurs du stress oxydatif, et les oméga 3 ont également atténué la production de prostaglandine. Des études interventionnelles chez l’être humain utilisant une supplémentation en oméga 3 suggèrent un effet bénéfique sur la douleur et la capacité fonctionnelle, ainsi qu’une diminution des dommages structuraux. En revanche, un effet néfaste des acides gras saturés sur l’arthrose a été observé. Les études sur les acides gras mono-insaturés sont peu nombreuses et leurs résultats non concluants. Selon les études existantes, les acides gras poly-insaturés, et en particulier les oméga 3, ont un effet encourageant sur les signes et les symptômes de l’arthrose. D’autres études interventionnelles chez l’être humain sont toutefois nécessaires pour pouvoir tirer des conclusions solides.
Currently, in the United States, every fifth adult dog or horse suffers from arthritis. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA occurs with greater frequency than RA. OA is an inflammatory heterogeneous chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD) characterized by chronic and progressive degradation of the articular cartilage, osteophyte formation, thickening and sclerosis of the subchondral bone, bone marrow lesions, hypertrophy of bone at the margin, synovitis, synovial fluid effusion, and fibrosis. Common clinical signs and symptoms associated with OA in dogs and horses include limping, immobility, stiffness of joints, crepitus, periarticular swelling, palpable effusion, and pain upon manipulation of the joint and limb. The pathophysiology of OA is very complex because there are multiple etiologies for this disease, and as a result, treatment is complicated. Pain and inflammation associated with OA are often managed by pharmacological suppression or surgery among a few other modalities. NSAIDs are known to have severe side effects, and surgery is very expensive, so the use of nutraceuticals appears to be a viable alternative for prevention and treatment of OA. This chapter describes various nutraceuticals that have the potential to exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and chondroprotective effects in osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the stifle joint is a progressive degenerative disease in dogs, which can have a profound impact on quality of life. The clinical signs of stifle OA include discomfort, limited joint range of motion, loss of muscle mass and muscle tone, and decreased overall limb use. The importance of weight management in the prevention and treatment of OA cannot be over-estimated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed class of medications to alleviate the clinical signs of OA and are the mainstay in any medical management. A multi-modal approach incorporating additional analgesics with differing mechanisms and sites of action is often indicated for improved pain control while lowering the therapeutically effective dose, thereby minimizing the adverse effects of NSAIDs. Nutritional supplementation with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy for the management of OA.
OBJECTIVE To assess clinical effects of an omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched diet, physical rehabilitation, or both in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and arthroscopic surgery for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.
DESIGN Randomized, prospective clinical trial.
ANIMALS 48 dogs with unilateral CCL disease.
PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a dry omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched dog food formulated to support joint health (test food [TF]), a dry food formulated for maintenance of adult dogs (control food [CF]), TF plus rehabilitation (TF-R), or CF plus rehabilitation (CF-R). Data collected over 6 months included body weight, body condition score, ground reaction force data, tibial plateau angle, limb circumference measurements, subjective pain and lameness scores assigned by surgeons and dog owners, and daily activity measured by accelerometry.
RESULTS Peak vertical force and vertical impulse were greater after surgery for dogs in the TF groups than in the CF groups; peak vertical force was greater after surgery in dogs that underwent rehabilitation than in those that did not. Owner scores indicated lower frequencies of lameness and signs of pain during some activities for the TF group, compared with other groups, and for the TF-R and CF-R groups, compared with the CF group. Sedentary time decreased and time spent in light-to-moderate or vigorous activity increased in all groups over time. Rehabilitation was significantly associated with greater time spent in light-to-moderate activity, regardless of diet.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Feeding the TF and providing physical rehabilitation during the first 6 months after TPLO were associated with improvements in some indices of clinical outcome and function in dogs. Significant interactions between time and some outcome variables were observed, indicating further research is warranted.
In clinical trials over the past decade, the beneficial effect of orally administered collagen peptides in osteoarthritic dogs has been clearly demonstrated [1] [2] [3]. Although a statistically significant improvement in the lameness and vitality of dogs in general has been documented, the mode of action of the collagen peptide treatment is still under discussion. A previous study [3] indicated that the reduction in lameness and increased mobility in dogs after collagen peptide treatment were associated with a statistically significantly lowered plasma content of MMP-3, which is involved in collagen degradation. In addition, the content of the MMP-antagonist TIMP-1 increased slightly after collagen peptide supplementation, suggesting a direct impact on the cartilage metabolism, particularly on the decrease of extracellular matrix degradation. Based on these findings, the impact of specific collagen peptides (PETA-GILE ®) on cartilage metabolism was tested in canine chondrocytes in the current investigation. In addition to the biosynthesis of various matrix molecules (type II collagen, aggrecan and elastin), the RNA profile of inflammatory cy-tokines and degenerative matrix molecules was investigated. The results showed clearly that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides reduced catabolic processes, as indicated by a statistically significant decrease in in-flammatory cytokines and proteases in canine chondrocytes compared with untreated control experiments. In addition, a statistically significantly enhanced biosynthesis of type II collagen, elastin, and aggrecan was observed. Hence, the current data supports the suggested anti-inflammatory effect of specific collagen peptides, but also clearly demonstrates a pronounced stimu-latory impact on matrix molecule synthesis. A combination of both observed effects might help to explain the previously reported clinical improvements after collagen peptide supplementation. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of How to cite this paper: Schunck, M., M. Schunck et al. 255 the specific collagen peptides was also confirmed in case reports on osteoarth-ritic dogs that demonstrated decreased lameness and increased vitality in the affected animals after PETAGILE treatment.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have produced beneficial health effects in animals and are recommended by veterinaries to pet patients suffering from osteoarthritis. However, these oils are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation. The objectives of this study were to improve oxidative stability of fish oil by adding vegetable oils, mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract and to formulate a commercial product according to the results obtained. The formulated product was evaluated against commercial fish oil products.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder leading to significant disability and dysfunction seen by small animal clinicians. While OA and degenerative joint disease (DJD) are often considered as being almost synonymous in dogs, this may not be the case in cats. Current therapy focuses on palliative care, aiming to reduce pain and inflammation and maintain or improve joint function without altering the pathologic process in the tissues. This chapter lists three of the most common false assumptions made by clinicians and owners in the initiation of a management plan for chronic OA pain to emphasize the need for a realistic and scientifically sound approach to pain management. Weight control is essential when dealing with OA. The introduction of diets formulated with high omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is adding a whole new dimension to the management of OA. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents are the most common final component in the management of OA.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent chronic and progressive condition in companion animals. With no available curative treatment, veterinarians attempt to manage symptoms of pain. Pharmacological substances are most frequently recommended to manage the clinical signs of OA, with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs being the mainstay of treatment. Over the last 2 decades fortified foods and natural medicinal products have gained increasing interests among the veterinary medical community. This review examines the good clinical practice requirements that are mandatory to build strong research evidence in order to properly disseminate findings about efficacy of fortified foods and natural medicinal products in dogs and cats with naturally occurring OA.
From the authors’ point of view, there is a critical need to implement standardized procedures for clinical trials conducted in companion animals with OA. This suboptimal situation largely impairs evidence-based consensus recommendations regarding nutritional and medicinal management of OA in dogs and cats.
Using a field portable device, a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) method was developed for the rapid (<5 min) prediction of major and minor fatty acids (FA) concentration in marine oil omega-3 dietary supplements. Calibration models were developed with 174 gravimetrically prepared samples. These models were tested using an independent validation set of dietary supplements. FA analyzed included eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); the sums of saturated, branched chain, and monounsaturated FA; and n-6, n-4, n-3, n-1, and trans polyunsaturated FA. The spectral ranges 650–1500 cm-1 or 650–1500 and 2800–3050 cm-1 provided reliable predictions for FA components in 34 neat oil products: Standard error of prediction, 0.73–1.58%; residual predictive deviation, 6.41–12.6. This simple, nondestructive quantitative method is a rapid screening tool and a time and cost-saving alternative to gas chromatography for verifying label declarations and in quality control.
Currently, more than 46 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis. Arthritis is also prevalent in other species, including canine and equine. Among all forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form, afflicting nearly 27 million adults. The other common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Among animal species, canine and equine are more prone to arthritis than other species. A large number of factors, such as aging, excessive exercise, obesity, genetic predisposition, immune disorders, poor nutrition, injury, and infection, can lead to OA. Presently, the use of nutraceuticals appears to be a good option to treat or manage OA, because they are taken orally, well-tolerated, and safe. Of course, some nutraceuticals exert adverse effects. This chapter describes, in brief, the characteristics of OA, pathophysiology of OA, and efficacy, safety, and toxicity of some commonly used nutraceuticals.
One possible reason for the continued neglect of statistical power analysis in research in the behavioral sciences is the inaccessibility of or difficulty with the standard material. A convenient, although not comprehensive, presentation of required sample sizes is provided. Effect-size indexes and conventional values for these are given for operationally defined small, medium, and large effects. The sample sizes necessary for .80 power to detect effects at these levels are tabled for 8 standard statistical tests: (1) the difference between independent means, (2) the significance of a product-moment correlation, (3) the difference between independent rs, (4) the sign test, (5) the difference between independent proportions, (6) chi-square tests for goodness of fit and contingency tables, (7) 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and (8) the significance of a multiple or multiple partial correlation.
To determine the effects of feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Randomized, controlled, multisite clinical trial.
131 client-owned dogs with stable chronic osteoarthritis examined at 33 privately owned veterinary hospitals in the United States.
In all dogs, the dosage of carprofen was standardized over a 3-week period to approximately 4.4 mg/kg/d (2 mg/lb/d), PO. Dogs were then randomly assigned to receive a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids or a control food with low omega-3 fatty acid content, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks later, investigators made decisions regarding increasing or decreasing the carprofen dosage on the basis of investigator assessments of 5 clinical signs and owner assessments of 15 signs.
Linear regression analysis indicated that over the 12-week study period, carprofen dosage decreased significantly faster among dogs fed the supplemented diet than among dogs fed the control diet. The distribution of changes in carprofen dosage for dogs in the control group was significantly different from the distribution of changes in carprofen dosage for dogs in the test group.
Results suggested that in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis receiving carprofen because of signs of pain, feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may allow for a reduction in carprofen dosage.
To evaluate the effects of a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial.
38 client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis examined at 2 university veterinary clinics.
Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a typical commercial food (n = 16) or a test food (22) containing 3.5% fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. On day 0 (before the trial began) and days 45 and 90 after the trial began, investigators conducted orthopedic evaluations and force-plate analyses of the most severely affected limb of each dog, and owners completed questionnaires to characterize their dogs' arthritis signs.
The change in mean peak vertical force between days 90 and 0 was significant for the test-food group (5.6%) but not for the control-food group (0.4%). Improvement in peak vertical force values was evident in 82% of the dogs in the test-food group, compared with 38% of the dogs in the control-food group. In addition, according to investigators' subjective evaluations, dogs fed the test food had significant improvements in lameness and weight bearing on day 90, compared with measurements obtained on day 0.
At least in the short term, dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids resulted in an improvement in weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis.
This review assesses the evidence for the efficacy of therapies used in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs on the basis of papers published in peer-reviewed journals in English between 1985 and July 2007. Sixty-eight papers were identified and evaluated. They considered four alternative therapies, one use of functional food, two intra-articular agents, six nutraceutical agents, 21 pharmacological agents, two physical therapies, three surgical techniques and two combinations of weight control. There was a high level of comfort (strong evidence) for the efficacy of carprofen, firocoxib and meloxicam, and a moderate level of comfort for the efficacy of etodolac in modifying the signs of osteoarthritis. There was a moderate level of comfort for the efficacy of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate, licofelone, elk velvet antler and a functional food containing green-lipped mussel for the modification of the structures involved in the disease. There was weak or no evidence in support of the use of doxycycline, electrostimulated acupuncture, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, gold wire acupuncture, hyaluronan, pentosan polysulphate, P54FP (extract of turmeric), tiaprofenic acid or tibial plateau levelling osteotomy.
An experiment to determine the chemical composition and protein quality of 13 fish substrates (pollock by-products, n = 5; fish protein hydrolysates, n = 5; and fish meals, n = 3) was conducted. Two of these substrates, salmon protein hydrolysate (SPH) and salmon meal with crushed bones (SMB), were used to determine their palatability as components of dog diets. Pollock by-products differed in concentrations of CP, crude fat, and total AA by 71, 79, and 71%, respectively, and GE by 4.1 kcal/g. Fish protein hydrolysates and fish meals were less variable (approximately 18, 14, and 17%, and 1.4 kcal/g, respectively). Biogenic amine concentrations were much higher in fish protein hydrolysates as compared with pollock by-products and fish meals. Pollock liver and viscera had the highest total fatty acid concentrations; however, red salmon hydrolysate and SMB had the highest total PUFA concentrations (49.63 and 48.60 mg/g, respectively). Salmon protein hydrolysate had the highest protein solubility in 0.2% KOH. Based on calculations using immobilized digestive enzyme assay values, lysine digestibility of fish meal substrates was comparable to in vivo cecectomized rooster assay values and averaged approximately 90.3%. Also, pollock milt, pollock viscera, red salmon hydrolysate, and sole hydrolysate had comparable values as assessed by immobilized digestive enzyme assay and rooster assays. A chick protein efficiency ratio (PER) assay compared SMB and SPH to a whole egg meal control and showed that SMB had high protein quality (PER = 3.5), whereas SPH had poor protein quality (PER value less than 1.5). However, using whole egg meal as the reference protein, both fish substrates were found to be good protein sources with an essential AA index of 1.0 and 0.9 for SMB and SPH, respectively. In the dog palatability experiments, a chicken-based control diet and 2 diets containing 10% of either SPH or SMB were tested. Dogs consumed more of the SPH diet compared with the control, and similar amounts of the SMB and control diets. The intake ratios for each were 0.73 and 0.52, respectively. Salmon protein hydrolysate was especially palatable to dogs. These data suggest that chemical composition and nutritional quality of fish substrates differ greatly and are affected by the specific part of the fish used to prepare fish meals and fish protein hydrolysates.
Our objective was to assess the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on atrial fibrillation (AF) vulnerability and atrial structure in a new model of atrial cardiomyopathy.
Dogs were studied in three groups: seven control dogs (UNPACED) and 24 dogs undergoing simultaneous atrioventricular pacing (for 2 weeks) assigned to placebo treatment (SAVP-PLACEBO, n = 12 dogs) or oral n-3 PUFAs (1 g/day) treatment (SAVP-PUFA, n = 12 dogs). SAVP-PUFA dogs had less AF inducibility (percentage of burst attempts leading to AF episodes: 5.5 +/- 7.4 vs. 20.4 +/- 14.2, P < 0.001) and maintenance [median AF duration: 601 s (377-1216) vs. 1598 s (1195-2400), P < 0.05] than SAVP-PLACEBO dogs. SAVP-PUFA dogs had significantly less local slowing of conduction and conduction heterogeneity than SAVP-PLACEBO dogs. SAVP-PUFA dogs had a significantly smaller increase in atrial matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and in collagen type I and III messenger RNA expression (in arbitrary units) than SAVP-PLACEBO dogs (0.62 +/- 0.51 vs. 10.80 +/- 5.61, respectively for collagen I, P < 0.05; 1.66 +/- 0.48 vs. 5.24 +/- 1.16, respectively, for collagen III, P < 0.05).
n-3 PUFA supplementation can reduce AF vulnerability in a new canine pacing model of atrial cardiomyopathy. The mechanism may be related to attenuation of collagen turnover.
The term ‘repeated measures’ refers to data with multiple observations on the same sampling unit. In most cases, the multiple observations are taken over time, but they could be over space. It is usually plausible to assume that observations on the same unit are correlated. Hence, statistical analysis of repeated measures data must address the issue of covariation between measures on the same unit. Until recently, analysis techniques available in computer software only offered the user limited and inadequate choices. One choice was to ignore covariance structure and make invalid assumptions. Another was to avoid the covariance structure issue by analysing transformed data or making adjustments to otherwise inadequate analyses. Ignoring covariance structure may result in erroneous inference, and avoiding it may result in inefficient inference. Recently available mixed model methodology permits the covariance structure to be incorporated into the statistical model. The MIXED procedure of the SAS® System provides a rich selection of covariance structures through the RANDOM and REPEATED statements. Modelling the covariance structure is a major hurdle in the use of PROC MIXED. However, once the covariance structure is modelled, inference about fixed effects proceeds essentially as when using PROC GLM. An example from the pharmaceutical industry is used to illustrate how to choose a covariance structure. The example also illustrates the effects of choice of covariance structure on tests and estimates of fixed effects. In many situations, estimates of linear combinations are invariant with respect to covariance structure, yet standard errors of the estimates may still depend on the covariance structure. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteoarthritis can be defined as a disorder of movable joints characterized by deterioration of articular cartilage, osteophyte formation and bone remodeling, changes in periarticular tissues, and a low-grade, nonpurulent inflammation of variable degree. This article reviews normal joint anatomy and function, as well as biochemical, biomechanical, and pathologic changes that are characteristic of osteoarthritis.
Force platform gait analysis is a recognized clinical evaluation tool that captures and documents the in vivo pathomechanics of osteoarthritis (OA). In a clinical trial designed to evaluate the impact of 2 specific diets, an increase in body weight (BW) was observed in lame client-owned dogs. Covariance analysis was used to evaluate the interference of BW changes toward the evolution of peak vertical force (PVF) values. These secondary findings are reported in this study.
Prospective study.
Lame dogs (n=26).
Dogs with radiographic evidence of OA and low PVF values were fed with 2 specific diets for 30 and 60 days. PVF and BW were recorded at baseline, day 30 (D30), and D90.
Mean (+/-SD) PVF values (%BW) did not differ significantly over time (D0: 63.9+/-17.2; D30: 65.5+/-17.4; and D90: 66.5+/-20.1). In contrast, BW (kg) was significantly higher at D90 (41.3+/-7.9) when compared with D30 (39.9+/-8.4) and D0 (40.0+/-8.7). Upon covariance analyses, BW changes interfere significantly with PVF values already normalized in %BW (P=.013). Values of PVF adjusted using BW as a covariate were then 63.4+/-17.1 (D0), 65.0+/-17.3 (D30), and 67.6+/-20.5 (D90), whereas D90 was significantly higher than D0.
These findings highlighted the interference of changes in BW toward locomotor function of OA dogs when using PVF values normalized in %BW. Exacerbation of lameness when a gain in BW occurred was also sustained, raising a possible bias in clinical study outcomes.
A BW increase in dogs with OA could exacerbate a preexisting lameness and induce a bias in clinical trials.
To evaluate the effects of moderate exercise on kinetic gait analysis using a force platform in dogs with hindlimb lameness due to osteoarthritis (OA).
Ten control dogs (Control) and 10 dogs presented with chronic and stable hindlimb lameness (OA) were recruited. Dogs were subjected to force platform gait analysis to determine baseline data. They were thereafter trotted for a distance of 1.2 km on a short leash, lead by the same handler at a gait convenient for each of them (ranging from slow to fast trot), after which the gait analysis was immediately repeated to determine post-exercise values. Peak and impulse of the vertical and braking / propulsion forces were analysed using a linear model for repeated measures and Bonferroni sequential correction.
In the Control group, the differences between baseline and post-exercise data were not significant. Conversely, post-exercise peak (p = 0.020) and impulse (p = 0.009) values of the vertical force, as well as the peak of the propulsion force (p = 0.009) values were significantly lower than baseline in the OA group.
This study demonstrates the significant effect of a moderate amount of exercise in exacerbating hindlimb lameness in dogs clinically afflicted by OA. It is suggested that: 1) exercise should be considered as a potential factor of variation in future force platform gait analyses and an effort should be made to limit bias in data recording; and 2) an exercise-based protocol could be added to the standard force platform gait analysis to potentially increase its sensitivity in the detection of lame dogs.
One possible reason for the continued neglect of statistical power analysis in research in the behavioral sciences is the inaccessibility of or difficulty with the standard material. A convenient, although not comprehensive, presentation of required sample sizes is provided here. Effect-size indexes and conventional values for these are given for operationally defined small, medium, and large effects. The sample sizes necessary for .80 power to detect effects at these levels are tabled for eight standard statistical tests: (a) the difference between independent means, (b) the significance of a product-moment correlation, (c) the difference between independent rs, (d) the sign test, (e) the difference between independent proportions, (f) chi-square tests for goodness of fit and contingency tables, (g) one-way analysis of variance, and (h) the significance of a multiple or multiple partial correlation.
It is generally believed that diets containing increased amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) result in improved canine skin and hair coat (SHC). However, the extent to which dietary fat amount and type play a role remains to be systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of both increased dietary fat amount and type on SHC assessments of dogs. Improvements of SHC conditions were investigated after feeding three diets containing increased total dietary fat (i.e. 13% total fat) for 12 weeks in relation to a lower fat acclimation diet (i.e. 9% total fat). The higher fat diets varied in polyunsaturated and saturated fat types and amounts but total fat was kept constant. Skin and hair coat assessments were performed at selected intervals by a trained group of veterinarians and graduate students. In addition, hair lipids were fractionated by thin layer chromatography after extraction of plucked hair samples. Significant improvements were found in hair coat glossiness and softness in all dogs fed the higher fat diets in relation to the acclimation diet. Improvements as a result of fat type were also seen but only at 12 weeks. A parallel finding was a marked increase in hair cholesteryl ester content determined at the end of the study at which time SHC scores were significantly improved. Skin and hair coat condition improvements may thus be related to increased cholesteryl ester deposited on the hair shaft surface when high fat diets are fed. Whereas this finding is preliminary, hair lipid analysis may be a useful, non-invasive technique with which to help assess dietary effects on canine SHC.
The goal of any clinical trial involving modulation of osteoarthritis is to assess the efficacy of a proposed therapy. This article attempts to provide some insight into assessing the outcome of clinical trials involving the management of osteoarthritis and reviews select key areas within clinical trials that need to be evaluated during critical analysis of any proposed therapeutic product.
Normal cartilage is a complex material consisting of a solid matrix composed primarily of collagen and proteoglycan, which is saturated with water. It is not a homogenous material. The interaction of the physical and biochemical structures of cartilage is necessary to allow the normal function of providing nearly frictionless motion, wear resistance, joint congruence, and transmission of load to subchondral bone. Chondrocytes are responsible for synthesizing and maintaining this material. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is disruption of normal cartilage structure and homeostasis. Osteoarthritis results from a complex interaction of biochemical and biomechanical factors that occur concurrently and serve to perpetuate degradative change. The progressive pathologic change that occurs in osteoarthritis has been characterized, not only for articular cartilage but also for periarticular tissues. The occurrence of mechanical and biochemical changes is well established, but the role of each in the etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis is not rigidly defined. It is likely that there are multiple etiologies sharing common pathways of physical and chemical disruption. (see Fig. 1). The changes associated with osteoarthritis ultimately have an impact on the patient through decreased ability to use the joint or the production of pain, or both. Unfortunately, once these changes are severe enough to be recognized clinically, they are likely to be irreversible with current treatments. Nevertheless, understanding the basic mechanisms involved in the development and progression of osteoarthritis provides a basis for establishing a reasonable expectation for the patient and a rational plan for medical and surgical treatment of this condition.
To assess the efficacy of etodolac in improving hind limb function in dogs with osteoarthritis of the hip joint.
Prospective study.
100 client-owned dogs with clinical signs of osteoarthritis of the hip joint.
Baseline ground reaction forces and subjective assessment scores were collected twice at a 7- to 10-day interval. After meeting entrance criteria, dogs were randomly assigned to the following 3 treatment groups: control group (0 mg of etodolac), low-dosage group (135 mg of etodolac), or high-dosage group (450 mg of etodolac). Dogs were treated once daily for 8 days, and gait analysis was repeated on day 8.
On day 8 of treatment, vertical impulse and vertical peak force values for low- and high-dosage groups were significantly greater than baseline values within each group. On day 8, vertical impulse values from the high-dosage group were significantly greater than values from the low-dosage group. Vertical peak forces for the low- and high-dosage groups were significantly greater at 8 days than that of the control group. Analysis of the effect of evaluation center (site) on treatment outcome did not reveal a significant effect.
Etodolac administration for 8 days improved ground reaction forces in dogs with osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Improvement in force transmission was dosage dependent for the primary outcome measurement (vertical impulse). Results of the study indicate that etodolac is well tolerated by dogs, with minimal adverse effects during an 8-day treatment period.
Dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) alters the course of experimental kidney disease in dogs. In particular, supplementation with omega-6 PUFAs hastens the decline of kidney function, and omega-3 PUFAs are renoprotective. We investigated the early stages of renal insufficiency to determine whether PUFA supplementation altered the magnitude of hypercholesterolemia or glomerular hemodynamics. Two months after 11/12 nephrectomy, dogs were randomly divided into three groups of 6 animals each. Each group of dogs was then fed a low-fat basal diet supplemented with one of three sources of lipid to achieve a final concentration of 15% added fat. Fat sources were rich in omega-3 PUFAs (menhaden fish oil, group FO), omega-6 PUFAs (safflower oil, group SO), or saturated fatty acids (beef tallow, group C). Early in renal insufficiency, before significant kidney damage, group FO had a lower (P<.05) serum cholesterol concentration and tended to have a lower urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) excretion than group C. In contrast, group SO had a higher mean glomerular capillary pressure (P<.05) and more glomerular enlargement (P<.05) and tended to have higher eicosanoid excretion rates than group C. These differences in lipid metabolism, glomerular hypertension and hypertrophy, and urinary eicosanoid metabolism could explain, in part, the beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs and the detrimental effects of omega-6 PUFAs when administered on a long-term basis in this model of renal insufficiency.
The term ‘repeated measures’ refers to data with multiple observations on the same sampling unit. In most cases, the multiple observations are taken over time, but they could be over space. It is usually plausible to assume that observations on the same unit are correlated. Hence, statistical analysis of repeated measures data must address the issue of covariation between measures on the same unit. Until recently, analysis techniques available in computer software only offered the user limited and inadequate choices. One choice was to ignore covariance structure and make invalid assumptions. Another was to avoid the covariance structure issue by analysing transformed data or making adjustments to otherwise inadequate analyses. Ignoring covariance structure may result in erroneous inference, and avoiding it may result in inefficient inference. Recently available mixed model methodology permits the covariance structure to be incorporated into the statistical model. The MIXED procedure of the SAS® System provides a rich selection of covariance structures through the RANDOM and REPEATED statements. Modelling the covariance structure is a major hurdle in the use of PROC MIXED. However, once the covariance structure is modelled, inference about fixed effects proceeds essentially as when using PROC GLM. An example from the pharmaceutical industry is used to illustrate how to choose a covariance structure. The example also illustrates the effects of choice of covariance structure on tests and estimates of fixed effects. In many situations, estimates of linear combinations are invariant with respect to covariance structure, yet standard errors of the estimates may still depend on the covariance structure. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy, tolerance and ease of administration of a nutraceutical, carprofen or meloxicam were evaluated in a prospective, double-blind study on 71 dogs with osteoarthritis. The client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to one of the three treatments or to a placebo control group. The influence of osteoarthritis on the dogs' gait was described by comparing the ground reaction forces of the arthritic dogs and 10 normal dogs. Before the treatments began, and 30 and 60 days later, measurements were made of haematological and biochemical variables and of the ground reaction forces of the arthritic limb, and subjective assessments were made by the owners and by the orthopaedic surgeons. Changes in the ground reaction forces were specific to the arthritic joint, and were significantly improved by carprofen and meloxicam but not by the nutraceutical; the values returned to normal only with meloxicam. The orthopaedic surgeons assessed that there had been an improvement with carprofen and meloxicam, but the owners considered that there had been an improvement only with meloxicam. The blood and faecal analyses did not reveal any changes. The treatments were well tolerated, except for a case of hepatopathy in a dog treated with carprofen.
A powder of quality elk velvet antler (QEVA) was evaluated on client-owned dogs with osteoarthrosis (OA) in a clinical, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Thirteen dogs received a placebo for 30 days and then QEVA for 60 days. Twenty-five other dogs received QEVA for 60 days. Gait analysis measured with a force plate, clinical signs assessed by an orthopedic surgeon, performances in daily life activities and vitality assessed by the owners, and complete blood analyses were obtained at days 0, after 30 days of placebo and/or 60 days of QEVA. On placebo, the 13 dogs did not show significant improvement (P < 0.05); however, their gait, their performances in daily life activities, and their vitality were significantly improved on QEVA, based on changes in values exceeding those observed when placebo was administered. The 25 dogs on QEVA for 60 days showed similar improvements. No clinical changes were revealed on blood analyses. Administration of QEVA was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs.
A questionnaire method was designed for dog owners to monitor the orthopedic disabilities of their pets for evaluation of a nutraceutical with joint health claims. Fifty large-breed dogs, 7 to 12 years of age, presenting with signs of osteoarthritis, were randomly allocated to placebo and active treatment groups. Degree of disability was assessed by physical examination, a standard questionnaire on daily activities, and a case-specific questionnaire that monitored specific impairments of each dog. The test product was a special milk protein concentrate (SMPC) from hyperimmunized cows, previously shown to express antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activity in humans. After a 1-week run-in period of dosing with placebo, each dog was randomly assigned to a treatment and given gelatin capsules containing either SMPC or a placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Overall improvement was noted in 68% and 35% of the SMPC and placebo groups, respectively. Significant (P <.05) improvement in mean standardized and patient-specific questionnaire scores and in owner global assessments was detected in the SMPC group but not in the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the treatment response was significantly better in the SMPC group with regard to case-specific scores (P lt;.001) and owner global assessments (P =.004). The product was well tolerated and serum chemistry findings remained within normal limits.
To identify and critically evaluate the quality of evidence of the most commonly used pharmacologic, nutraceutical, and purported slow-acting drugs of osteoarthritis for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs by use of the FDA's evidence-based medicine scoring system.
Systematic review.
16 clinical trials.
A broad bibliographic search was performed prior to May 2006. Inclusion criteria focused on prospective trials evaluating commonly used medical treatment interventions for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs and published in peer-reviewed journals. The analysis consisted of the following: study design rating, quality factor rating, quantity rating, consistency rating, relevance to disease risk reduction rating, and cumulative strength of evidence ranking.
4 trials evaluating meloxicam were rated as type I. Three trials evaluating carprofen were rated as type I, and 2 trials were rated as type III. One trial evaluating each of the following agents was rated as type 1: etodolac; P54FP; polysulfated glycosaminoglycan; and a combination of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate. Two trials evaluating pentosan polysulphate and 2 trails evaluating green-lipped mussels were rated as type I. One trial evaluating hyaluronan was rated as type III.
A high level of comfort exists for meloxicam that the claimed relationship is scientifically valid and that its use is clinically efficacious for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. A moderate level of comfort exists for carprofen; etodolac; pentosan polysulphate; green-lipped mussels; P54FP; polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; and a combination of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate. An extremely low level of comfort exists for hyaluronan.
To evaluate the effect of licofelone, an arachidonic acid substrate with combined inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2, a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled study was conducted in 33 client-owned dogs that were lame owing to hindlimb osteoarthritis. Seventeen of the dogs received a placebo and 16 were treated with 2.5 mg/kg licofelone twice a day for 28 days. The dogs' lameness was assessed on a visual analogue scale (vas), and by force plate analyses at baseline and 14 and 28 days after starting the treatment. After 14 days the mean (se) change in peak vertical force in the licofelone-treated dogs (1.7 [0.8] per cent bodyweight) was significantly greater (P<0.05) than in the placebo-treated dogs (-0.3 [0.6] per cent bodyweight), and after 28 days the difference had increased. In contrast, the dogs' lameness, as assessed by the vas values, had decreased significantly over baseline in both the treated and control groups.
This study was designed to determine whether dietary fish oil affects the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), tissue inhibitors of MMP-2 (TIMP-2) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in synovial fluid from dogs with spontaneously occurring stifle (knee) instability in a single hind limb resulting from acute cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. Two groups of 12 dogs were fed diets from 1 week prior to surgery on the affected knee to 56 days post-surgery. The fish oil and control diets provided 90 and 4.5 mg, respectively, of combined eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/kg body weight per day. Plasma and synovial fluid, from both surgical and nonsurgical knee joints, were obtained at start of the diet (-7), surgery day (0) and 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-surgery. Plasma total EPA and DHA were significantly increased, and plasma total arachidonic acid (AA) was significantly decreased by the fish oil diet. In synovial fluid from the nonsurgical knee, fish oil treatment significantly decreased proMMP-2 expression at Days 7 and 14, and proMMP-9 expression at Day 56, and uPA activity at 28 days and significantly increased TIMP-2 expression at Days 7 and 28. There were no differences in MMP expression or activity, TIMP-2 expression and uPA activity in the surgical joint synovial fluid at any time throughout the study. These results suggest that dietary fish oil may exert beneficial effects on synovial fluid MMP and TIMP-2 equilibrium in the uninjured stifle of dogs with unilateral CCL injury.
The purposes of this study were: 1) to describe and compare the trotting gait of normal and lame dogs secondary to stifle (GONOA) or hip (COXOA) osteoarthritis (OA) using multiple ground reaction forces (GRF) parameters, and 2) to pinpoint any characteristic in gait profile ('signatures') which could help to discriminate a lameness secondary to GONOA or COXOA. Fifty-one large breed dogs with OA (19 GONOA, 32 COXOA) and 22 normal dogs were included in the study. The vertical and cranio-caudal (braking-propelling) GRF were collected. The total stance time, and for each orthogonal vector, the peak force, impulse, time to peak, and the rate of limb loading were recorded. Vertical and craniocaudal forces were found to be significantly decreased in both OA groups compared to normal dogs. Vertical, cranial and caudal limb loading were also most often lower for both OA groups. In addition, the vertical and cranial forces were significantly lower in dogs with GONOA compared to COXOA and normal dogs. This study has demonstrated that, at a trotting gait, OA dogs secondary to GONOA and COXOA load their affected limb, brake and propel earlier during the stance phase, but generally with less magnitude than normal dogs. Dogs affected by GONOA also present more severe gait alterations than dogs with COXOA. The vertical and braking specific GRF alterations described may be kinetic 'signatures' linked more to lame dogs secondary to GONOA versus COXOA. Finally, this study has also provided useful baseline GRF data for further clinical and research investigations.
Pain management in dogs and cats has undergone a dramatic evolution in the past decade. Current approaches focus on anticipation and prevention of pain, as well as both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management techniques. The veterinary team plays an essential role in educating pet owners about recognizing and managing pain in their pets.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and other marine sources appear to be capable of modifying inflammatory and immune responses in dogs. Information is provided on the capacity of dogs to metabolize omega-3 fatty acids and the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on skin and coat, inflammatory responses, and neurologic development in puppies.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not always provide sufficient pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA).
The use of amantadine in addition to NSAID therapy will provide improved pain relief when compared with the use of nonsteroidal analgesics alone in naturally occurring OA in dogs.
Thirty-one client-owned dogs with pelvic limb lameness despite the administration of an NSAID.
The study was randomized, blinded, and placebo controlled with parallel groups (days 21-42). On day 0, analgesic medications were discontinued. On day 7, all dogs received meloxicam for 5 weeks. On day 21, all dogs received amantadine (3-5 mg/kg once daily per os) or placebo for 21 days, in addition to receiving meloxicam. Assessments were performed before the study and on days 7, 21, and 42. Primary outcome measures were blinded owner assessments of activity using client-specific outcome measures (CSOM) on days 0, 7, 21, and 42. Data were analyzed by a mixed model approach.
For CSOM activity, there was a significant time by treatment effect (P=.009). On the basis of the planned post hoc t-tests of postrandomization means, there was a significant difference between treatment groups on day 42 (P=.030), with the amantadine group being more active.
In dogs with osteoarthritic pain refractory to an NSAID, physical activity is improved by the addition of amantadine. Amantadine might be a useful adjunct therapy for the clinical management of canine osteoarthritic pain.
To evaluate the effect of diets enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on in vivo production of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in dogs.
15 young healthy dogs.
Dogs were randomly allocated to receive an isocaloric ration supplemented with sunflower oil (n=5), fish oil (5), or fish oil plus vitamin E (5) for 12 weeks. At week 12, in vivo production of inflammatory mediators was evaluated in serum at multiple time points for 6 hours following stimulation with IV administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Serum activity or concentration (area under the curve) of IL-1, IL-6, and PGE2 significantly increased after LPS injection in all groups but to a lesser extent in dogs receiving the fish oil diet, compared with results for dogs receiving the sunflower oil diet. Serum activity of TNF-alpha and PAF concentration also increased significantly after LPS injection in all groups but did not differ significantly among groups.
A fish oil-enriched diet consisting of 1.75 g of EPA/kg of diet and 2.2 g of DHA/kg of diet (dry-matter basis) with an n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 3.4:1 was associated with significant reductions in serum PGE2 concentrations and IL-1 and IL-6 activities. Results supported the use of EPA- and DHA-enriched diets as part of antiinflammatory treatments for dogs with chronic inflammatory diseases. Additional studies in affected dogs are warranted to further evaluate beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of EPA- and DHA-enriched diets.
Dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 (or n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can affect numerous processes in the body, including cardiovascular, neurological and immune functions, as well as cancer. Studies on human cancer cell lines, animal models and preliminary trials with human subjects suggest that administration of EPA and DHA, found naturally in our diet in fatty fish, can alter toxicities and/or activity of many drugs used to treat cancer. Multiple mechanisms are proposed to explain how n-3 PUFA modulate the tumor cell response to chemotherapeutic drugs. n-3 PUFA are readily incorporated into cell membranes and lipid rafts, and their incorporation may affect membrane-associated signaling proteins such as Ras, Akt and Her-2/neu. Due to their high susceptibility to oxidation, it has also been proposed that n-3 PUFA may cause irreversible tumor cell damage through increased lipid peroxidation. n-3 PUFA may increase tumor cell susceptibility to apoptosis by altering expression or function of apoptotic proteins, or by modulating activity of survival-related transcription factors such as nuclear factor-kappaB. Some studies suggest n-3 PUFA may increase drug uptake or even enhance drug activation (e.g., in the case of some nucleoside analogue drugs). Further research is warranted to identify specific mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA increase chemotherapy efficacy and to determine the optimal cellular/membrane levels of n-3 PUFA required to promote these mechanisms, such that these fatty acids may be prescribed as adjuvants to chemotherapy.
Omega-3 fatty acids diet in osteoarthritis dogs M
- Moreau
Omega-3 fatty acids diet in osteoarthritis dogs M. Moreau et al.
Efficacy of etodolac for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joints in dogs Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Associa-tion 214
- R Claxton
Claxton, R., 1999: Efficacy of etodolac for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joints in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Associa-tion 214, 206–210.
AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines for dogs & cats
- Hellyer