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Case reports: Five dogs (4 with severe carpal contracture, 1 with a chronically infected carpal joint) underwent antebrachiometacarpal arthrodesis. Excision of all carpal bones, except the accessory carpal bone, was done, either because of persistent infection or to allow the manus to be arthrodesed in a functional position. All five dogs developed varying degrees of soft tissue swelling of the surgical site following surgery. All five arthrodeses achieved complete osseous union within 4–67 weeks. The immediate postoperative distal radiometacarpal frontal plane angulation ranged from 1° to 19° (mean ± SD: 7 ± 8°). The immediate postoperative distal radiometacarpal sagittal plane angulation ranged from 6° to 26° (mean ± SD: 17 ± 9°). Plate coverage of the secured metacarpal bone(s) ranged from 75% to 87% (mean ± SD: 80 ± 4%). Infection necessitated plate removal in four dogs, 3–17 (mean ± SD: 8 ± 6) months following surgery and 0–15 (mean ± SD: 5 ± 7) weeks following radiographic documentation of complete osseous union. Conclusion: Despite one dog having marked elbow incongruency and degenerative joint disease and one dog having an ipsilateral radial nerve deficit, all five dogs improved and had acceptable limb function at the time of the final evaluation, which ranged from 25 to 296 (mean ± SD: 99 ± 111) weeks following surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain and stiffness that affects both humans and dogs. In Australia, allogeneic canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for therapy have been commercially available since 2010. In this report, we describe the outcome of the treatment of two hundred and three dogs diagnosed with degenerative arthritis with severe chronic pain in joints causing lameness at walk, reduced mobility, and functional disability. Posttreatment assessment data after 10 weeks revealed significant improvement (p<0.007) of the symptoms: pain reduction, improvement of mobility, and increased daily activity as measured as quality of life score. Ninety percent of young dogs (<9 years) showed excellent improvement in pain and mobility and were able to run and resume normal activity. Sixty percent of older dogs showed good improvement. However, 12% of dogs did not exhibit any change in symptoms; one dog showed worsening of the symptoms. This report provides the support for the safety and efficacies of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a regenerative therapeutic veterinary model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Hip resurfacing offers advantages for young, active patients afflicted with hip osteoarthritis and may also be a beneficial treatment for adult canines. Conventional hip resurfacing uses metal‐on‐metal bearings to preserve bone stock, but it may be feasible to use metal‐on‐polyethylene bearings to reduce metal wear debris while still preserving bone. This study characterized the short‐term wear behavior of a novel hip resurfacing implant for canines that uses a 1.5 mm thick liner of highly cross‐linked polyethylene in the acetabular component. This implant was tested in an orbital bearing machine that simulated canine gait for 1.1 million cycles. Wear of the liner was evaluated using gravimetric analysis and by measuring wear depth with an optical scanner. The liners had a steady‐state mass wear rate of 0.99 ± 0.17 mg per million cycles and an average wear depth in the central liner region of 0.028 mm. No liners, shells, or femoral heads had any catastrophic failure due to yielding or fracture. These results suggest that the thin liners will not prematurely crack after implantation in canines. This is the first hip resurfacing device developed for canines, and this study is the first to characterize the in vitro wear of highly cross‐linked polyethylene liners in a hip resurfacing implant. The canine implant developed in this study may be an attractive treatment option for canines afflicted with hip osteoarthritis, and since canines are the preferred animal model for human hip replacement, this implant can support the development of metal‐on‐polyethylene hip resurfacing technology for human patients. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1196–1205, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: 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 μ m of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA) or 3.6 μ m 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the cartilage volume and surface area of male and female Beagle dog knees using 3D (3 dimensional) reconstructed MRI images. Methods: Six Beagle Dogs (Canis familiaris) (3 males and 3 females) of 10-18 months old and weighing between 7.2 and 17.1 kg underwent a MRI evaluation of both knees. The data acquired allowed a 3D reconstruction of the knee and measurement of the cartilage volume and surface area. Results: Mean knee cartilage volume (averaged over the right and left knees) of animals between 7.2 and 17.1 kg ranged from 319.7 to 647.3 mm; while the mean knee cartilage surface area ranged from 427.14 to 757.2 mm. There was evidence of both knee volume and surface area increasing linearly with animal bodyweight. Conclusions: The cartilage volume and surface area of the Beagle dog appears to correlate significantly with body weight. This study provides a reference base for future studies investigating cartilage related pathology such as osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapiprant is the novel selective EP4 receptor inhibitor recently issued on the veterinary market for dogs affected by osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was twofold: to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of grapiprant in the induced inflammatory pain model in the rabbit after a single IV injection of 2 mg/kg; to compare the thermal antinociception effect after 2 mg/kg IV grapiprant, with that generated by 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam SC injected. Rabbits ( n = 12) were randomly assigned to two crossover studies (single-dose, two-period crossover). The first study group A ( n = 3) received a single IV dose of grapiprant at 2 mg/kg dissolved in ethanol. Group B ( n = 3) received a single IV injection of ethanol (equivalent volume to grapiprant volume) at the same site. The second study group C ( n = 3) received a single SC dose of meloxicam at 0.5 mg/kg. Group D ( n = 3) received a single SC injection of 15% ethanol (equivalent volume to grapiprant volume) at the same site. After a 2-week washout period, the groups were rotated and the experiments repeated. Blood samples (0.7 mL) were collected from the right ear artery at assigned times and grapiprant plasma concentrations determined by a validated HPLC- FL method. Three hours prior to administration of the drugs, inflammation was induced by SC injection of lambda carrageenan (200 μL, 3% in physiological saline) under the plantar surface of the right hind paw. At a similar time to the blood collection, an infrared thermal stimuli (40 °C) was applied to the plantar surface of the rabbits' hindlimbs to evaluate the thermal withdrawal latency ( TWL). The thermal antinociceptive effect was expressed as maximum possible response (% MPR). Grapiprant plasma concentrations were detectable up to the 10-h time point (concentration range 17-7495 ng/mL). The grapiprant-treated group showed a significant increase in TWL from 1 h and up to 10 h after drug administration compared to the control. In contrast, the meloxicam group showed a significant increase in TWL from 4 up to 10 h after drug administration, compared to control. The maximal MPR% was not statistically different between the grapiprant and meloxicam group from 4 to 8 h, while significant differences were shown at 1, 1.5, 2, 10 and 24 h. Given these findings, grapiprant appears to be an attractive option for antinociception in rabbits, due to its rapid onset and extended duration of effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hip is one of the most common sites of osteoarthritis in the body, second only to the knee in prevalence. However, current animal models of hip osteoarthritis have not been assessed using many of the functional outcome measures used in orthopaedics, a characteristic that could increase their utility in the evaluation of therapeutic interventions. The canine hip shares similarities with the human hip, and functional outcome measures are well documented in veterinary medicine, providing a baseline for pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a surgical model of hip osteoarthritis in a large laboratory animal model and to evaluate functional and end-point outcome measures. Methods: Seven dogs were subjected to partial surgical debridement of cartilage from one femoral head. Pre- and postoperative pain and functional scores, gait analysis, radiographs, accelerometry, goniometry and limb circumference were evaluated through a 20-week recovery period, followed by histological evaluation of cartilage and synovium. Results: Animals developed histological and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, which was correlated with measurable functional impairment. For example, Mankin scores in operated limbs were positively correlated to radiographic scores but negatively correlated to range of motion, limb circumference and 20-week peak vertical force. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that multiple relevant functional outcome measures can be used successfully in a large laboratory animal model of hip osteoarthritis. These measures could be used to evaluate relative efficacy of therapeutic interventions relevant to human clinical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In veterinary clinical pain studies, there is a paucity of data on test-retest variability in Clinical Metrology Instruments ( CMIs), and it is unknown whether CMIs should be administered using independent (respondents not permitted to see previous answers) or dependent (respondents shown previous answers) interviewing. Objectives To compare baseline variability in CMIs designed to assess pain in dogs with osteoarthritis, and compare CMI scores using independent (InD) and dependent interviewing ( DI) for the Canine Brief Pain Inventory ( CBPI) and the Client-Specific Outcome Measures ( CSOM). Animals Fifty-one client-owned dogs with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis and associated pain. Methods Clinical Metrology Instruments data were collected during 2 randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, proof of principle pilot studies with parallel treatment groups. Enrolled dogs received either placebo or antinerve growth factor antibody ( NV-01). Results Agreement between baseline CMI scores was good ( CBPI Pain P = .29, CBPI Interference P = .32, CSOM P = .036, LOAD P = .67, HCPI P = .27), being best for the LOAD (ICC = 0.89). CMI responses collected during independent and dependent interviewing were not statistically different ( CBPI Pain P = .33, CBPI Interference P = .28, CSOM P = .42) and showed good agreement. Additionally, dependent interviewing resulted in increased treatment effect sizes. Conclusions and Clinical Importance There is little difference between independent and dependent interviewing, however, dependent interviewing resulted in increased treatment effect sizes. By using dependent interviewing, investigators could increase clinical trial power through minimal change to study design. Further research is warranted to investigate the use of dependent interviewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, painful, degenerative and inflammatory disease that affects the synovial joints and leads finally to the loss of mobility. It is highly prevalent in dogs. Nowadays, no cure exists, and the pharmacological treatment is limited to clinical signs alleviation. Some positive beneficial effects have been highlighted with dietary supplements in the course of dog OA. The goals of this narrative review are to summarize the scientific data available in the literature on dietary supplements assessed in dog OA and to discuss some trails about how to improve several aspects of research and issues with dietary supplements, such as bioavailability and dosage regimen. Chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, undenaturated type II collagen, avocado-soya bean unsaponifiables, curcumin and polyunsaturated fatty acids were studied in dog OA and therefore discussed in the present review. Most of them showed anticatabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, few data exist concerning their pharmacokinetics. Their bioavailability is low, but new formulations are developed to enhance their gastrointestinal absorption. The clinical relevance of these new formulations compared to native forms should be demonstrated in good clinical trials. Even if further investigations are needed, dietary supplements should be considered in OA management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lameness in dogs will be a familiar part of any small animal practitioner's caseload. Osteoarthritis is a common cause for this lameness, although it is often secondary to a primary inciting cause; so treatment and management may need to address the primary inciting cause as well as the pain associated with the arthritis. Management of the condition involves a combination of medical and surgical options, and weight management can often be crucial in reducing pain and improving patient mobility. In this article, Rob Pettitt and Alex German explore the multifactorial elements in both investigating and managing this condition in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Great Danes ( GDs) with osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy ( CSM) have osteoarthritis ( OA) of the cervical vertebrae. OA is often associated with increases in bone mineral density ( BMD) in people and dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare the trabecular BMD of the cervical vertebrae between clinically normal (control) GDs and GDs with osseous-associated CSM by using computed tomography ( CT). We hypothesized that the vertebral trabecular BMD of CSM-affected GDs would be higher than that of control GDs. Animals Client-owned GDs: 12 controls, 10 CSM affected. Methods Prospective study. CT of the cervical vertebral column was obtained alongside a calibration phantom. By placing a circular region of interest at the articular process joints, vertebral body, pedicles, and within each rod of the calibration phantom, trabecular BMD was measured in Hounsfield units, which were converted to diphosphate equivalent densities. Trabecular BMD measurements were compared between CSM-affected and control dogs, and between males and females within the control group. Results Differences between CSM-affected and control dogs were not significant for the articular processes (mean = −39; P = .37; 95% CI: −102 to 24), vertebral bodies (mean = −62; P = .08; 95% CI: −129 to 6), or pedicles (mean = −36; P = .51; 95% CI: −105 to 33). Differences between female and male were not significant. Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study revealed no difference in BMD between control and CSM-affected GDs. Based on our findings no association was detected between cervical OA and BMD in GDs with CSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NSAIDs are the cornerstone of medical management of canine osteoarthritis (OA). Meloxicam is a daily-administered NSAID widely available in a liquid formulation and manufacturer's summary of product characteristics (SPC) advise that it is given at the lowest effective dose. Mavacoxib is a long-acting NSAID given as a monthly tablet. This study compares these drugs in the management of canine OA. In all, 111 dogs with OA of the elbow, hip or stifle were randomly assigned to receive one of these NSAIDs for a 12-week period, and to administer them as per the manufacturer's SPC. Outcomes, including ground reaction forces and three validated clinical metrology instruments, were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Improvements were seen in all outcome measures for both groups to a similar degree, and adverse events occurred at a similar rate. There were significant improvements in outcome measures from week 6 to week 12, as well as from baseline. Long-term meloxicam dose was more important than recent dose. Clinical efficacy and adverse event rates are similar for meloxicam and mavacoxib when administered as per their UK SPC. This is relevant information for veterinary surgeons when prescribing NSAID treatment for canine OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether swimming could improve function of osteoarthritic joints in canine hip OA. Fifty-five dogs were categorized into three groups. The OA with swimming group (OA-SW;n = 22), the healthy (non-OA;n = 18) with swimming group (H-SW), and the healthy (non-OA;n = 15) without swimming group (H-NSW). All animals were allowed to swim for a total of 8 weeks (2-day period, 3 cycles of swimming for 20 minutes, and resting period for 5 minutes in each cycle).Three ml of blood was collected every 2 weeks for evaluation of the levels of biomarkers for OA, including chondroitin sulfate epitopeWF6 (CS-WF6) and hyaluronan (HA). Clinical evaluation of the OA-SW group found that most parameters showed improvement (P < 0.01) at week 8 compared to pretreatment, while pain on palpation was improved (P < 0.01) at week 6.The relative level of serum CS-WF6 in the OA-SW group was found to be significantly different (P < 0.01) at weeks 6 and 8 compared with the preexercise. The levels of serum HA of the H-SW group in weeks 2-8 were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than preexercise. Conclusion, swimming over 2-day period, 8 weeks continually, can improve the function of OA joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical safety and efficacy of a transmucosal oral spray ( TMOS) formulation of meloxicam was evaluated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. A total of 280 client-owned dogs were enrolled at fourteen veterinary clinics: there were 187 dogs in the meloxicam TMOS group and 93 in the placebo control group. Dogs received placebo or treatment spray once daily for twenty-eight days. Improvement in signs of osteoarthritis was measured using client-specific outcome measures ( CSOM) made at days 14 and 28 and veterinary assessments of lameness and pain on palpation made at day 28. A significantly higher number of dogs in the meloxicam TMOS group were treatment successes at 28 days (72.6%) compared with the placebo group (46.9%), based on CSOM scores. Total CSOM scores were significantly lower in the meloxicam TMOS-treated group compared with the placebo group at both 14 and 28 days. Differences between treatment groups were not observed in veterinary assessments. Gastrointestinal effects of meloxicam were observed in some animals. Meloxicam TMOS was found to be safe and effective in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lameness assessment using force plate gait analysis ( FPGA) and owner assessment of chronic pain using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory ( CBPI) are valid and reliable methods of evaluating canine osteoarthritis. There are no studies comparing these 2 outcome measures. Objective Evaluate the relationship between CBPI pain severity ( PS) and interference ( PI) scores with the vertical forces of FPGA as efficacy measures in canine osteoarthritis. Animals Sixty-eight client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis (50 hind limb and 18 forelimb). Methods Double-blind, randomized. Owners completed the CBPI, and dogs underwent FPGA on days 0 and 14. Dogs received carprofen or placebo on days 1 through 14. The change in PS and PI scores from day 0 to 14 were compared to the change in peak vertical force ( PVF) and vertical impulse ( VI). Results PS and PI scores significantly decreased in carprofen- compared with placebo-treated dogs ( P = .002 and P = .03, respectively). PVF and VI significantly increased in carprofen- compared with placebo-treated dogs ( P = .006 and P = .02, respectively). There was no correlation or concordance between the PS or PI score changes and change in PVF or VI. Conclusions and Clinical Importance In these dogs with hind limb or forelimb osteoarthritis, owner assessment of chronic pain using the CBPI and assessment of lameness using FPGA detected significant improvement in dogs treated with carprofen. The lack of correlation or concordance between the change in owner scores and vertical forces suggests that owners were focused on behaviors other than lameness when making efficacy evaluations in their dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous AD-MSC [adipose-derived MSC (mesenchymal stem cell)] therapy involves harvesting fat from the patient by isolating the stem and regenerative cells and administering the cells back to the patient. This study evaluated the production of canine AD-MSCs and their possible application in cellular therapy for dogs. To assess whether cellular therapy can replace drug therapy, the clinical effect of a single intra-articular injection of AD-MSCs was evaluated on 4 dogs with lameness associated with OA (osteoarthritis) of the humeroradial joints. MSCs were readily isolated from adult dog adipose tissue, and their ability to form colony and differentiate into various phenotypes was confirmed. AD-MSCs expressed OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 at the mRNA level, pluripotency markers usually ascribed to embryonic stem cells. The results suggest the stemness of the cells isolated from canine fat, and good quality control made them available for both experimental and clinical use. Follow-up studies to evaluate the effects of AD-MSC therapy showed that OA of the elbow joints improved with time, indicating significant potential for clinical use in the treatment of lameness, particularly when administered before the injury becomes severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a survey in veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and dog owners concerning the treatment uncertainties and management of dogs having osteoarthritis.

The article reports that University of Bristol researchers are considering recruiting additional dogs to a research about canine osteoarthritis (OA) and improvement of the treatment of pain for dogs with the condition.

A letter to the editor is presented that raises concerns about widespread off-label use of medicines by members of the veterinary profession, citing the trend to use oral tramadol under the prescribing cascade for the management of osteoarthritis in elderly dogs.