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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]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of serum type II collagen cleavage epitope and serum hyaluronic acid as biomarkers for treatment monitoring in osteoarthritic dogs. For this purpose, a treatment model based on mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue combined with plasma rich in growth factors was used. This clinical study included 10 dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Both analytes were measured in serum at baseline, just before applying the treatment, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. These results were compared with those obtained from force plate analysis using the same animals during the same study period. Levels of type II collagen cleavage epitope decreased and those of hyaluronic acid increased with clinical improvement objectively verified via force plate analysis, suggesting these two biomarkers could be effective as indicators of clinical development of joint disease in dogs. [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]

OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety of daily oral administration of grapiprant to dogs. ANIMALS Thirty-six 9-month-old Beagles of both sexes. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to groups that received grapiprant via oral gavage at 0, 1,6, or 50 mg/kg (total volume, 5 mL/kg), q 24 h for 9 months. Each group contained 4 dogs of each sex (ie, 8 dogs/group), except for the 50 mg/kg group, which included 4 additional dogs that were monitored for an additional 30 days after treatment concluded (recovery period). All dogs received ophthalmologic, ECG, and laboratory evaluations before treatment began (baseline) and periodically afterward. All dogs were observed daily. Dogs were euthanized at the end of the study for necropsy and histologic evaluation. RESULTS All dogs remained clinically normal during treatment, with no apparent changes in appetite or demeanor. Emesis and soft or mucoid feces that occasionally contained blood were observed in all groups, although these findings were more common in dogs that received grapiprant. In general, clinicopathologic findings remained within baseline ranges. Drug-related changes in serum total protein and albumin concentrations were detected, but differences were small and resolved during recovery. No drug-related gross or microscopic pathological changes were detected in tissue samples except mild mucosal regeneration in the ileum of I dog in the 50 mg/kg group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested the safety of long-term oral administration of grapiprant to dogs. Efficacy of grapiprant in the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis needs to be evaluated in other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several therapeutic exercises for dogs with osteoarthritis. Among the exercises discussed include the sit-to-stand which is prescribed to improve and maintains the mascular strength and the active hind-limb range of motion (ROM), the down-to-stand exercise which is useful in strengthening the gluteal muscles of the dogs, and the cross-leg-standing to improve core muscular strength and balance.

Canine osteoarthritis is a common disease in clinical practice. Causes of canine osteoarthritis are obscure. At present, nutraceuticals and hyaluronic acid are used for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. This study assessed the efficacy of intraarticular administration of hyaluronic acid on the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. After undergoing surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament rupture, 16 dogs were divided into 2 groups, HA and control groups. The dogs in the HA group (n=8) received intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid. The control group (n=8) did not receive hyaluronic acid treatment after surgery. Lameness score, weight bearing score, radiographic examination and serum OA biomarker (WF6) were used for analysis. Results revealed that the HA group had better lameness score and weight bearing score, but there was no statistic difference in the radiographic finding and the levels of serum WF6 after 8 weeks of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firocoxib and carprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are used in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. This study evaluated the efficacy and provided information of these NSAIDs in clinical practice. Sixteen healthy dogs of large breeds over 5 years old without systemic diseases and pregnancy that had coxofemoral osteoarthritis were divided into 2 groups, firocoxib group (n=9) and carprofen group (n=7). The study was conducted for 16 weeks. Firocoxib (5mg/kg body weight) or carprofen (4.4mg/kg body weight) was administered to all dogs once daily for 2 weeks, on alternate days for 6 weeks and every 2 days for 8 weeks. Of all samples, serum OA biomarkers (hyaluronan (HA) and chondroitin sulfate epitope WF6), hematological profiles together with physical, orthopedic and radiographic examination, passive range of motion measurement, pain and lameness scoring, urinalysis, fecal examination and owner preference scoring were assessed. Evaluations of the study took place at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Although the serum WF6 levels of the firocoxib group were gradually increased until week 12 and decreased at week 16 and those of the carprofen group were decreased at week 2 and then gradually increased until week 16, the levels of WF6 revealed that the chondroprotective effect of firocoxib and carprofen was still indistinct. Passive range of motion (ROM) measurement revealed evidences of increased hip flexion of the firocoxib group at weeks 2, 4 and 16 (p<0.05) and increased hip extension of the carprofen group at weeks 2, 8 and 12 (p<0.05). These improved ranges of motion indicated that both NSAIDs ameliorated the clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of regional DNA variants upstream to the translation initiation site of the canine Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) gene in healthy dogs. Cox-2 plays a role in various disease conditions such as acute and chronic inflammation, osteoarthritis and malignancy. A role for Cox-2 DNA variants in genetic predisposition to canine renal dysplasia has been proposed and dog breeders have been encouraged to select against these DNA variants. We sequenced 272–422 bases in 152 dogs unaffected by renal dysplasia and found 19 different haplotypes including 11 genetic variants which had not been described previously. We genotyped 7 gray wolves to ascertain the wildtype variant and found that the wolves we analyzed had predominantly the second most common DNA variant found in dogs. Our results demonstrate an elevated level of regional polymorphism that appears to be a feature of healthy domesticated dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is a commonly occurring chronic illness in human and animals alike. Among all domestic and pet animal species, dogs suffer from arthritis more often because of excessive running or exercise, injury, and/or genetic predisposition. Presently, one in four of 77.2 million pet dogs in the United States are diagnosed with some form of arthritis. In dogs, osteoarthritis is more common than rheumatoid arthritis and pain is the number one observation. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a slowly progressive inflammatory disease, which is characterized by degeneration of the cartilage, hypertrophy of bone at the margins, and changes in the synovial membrane, and that eventually results in pain and stiffness of joints. Alterations in joint structures, decreased flexibility, and severe pain ensues, due to lack of hydration and inflammation. Cells within the damaged joints release pro-inflammatory cytokines, which further the inflammatory process. This causes more breakdown of the cartilage collagen type II and proteoglycans, which results in a perpetual destructive cycle. This perpetuating cycle ultimately results in cartilage destruction, subchondral bone thickening, and synovial membrane inflammation. This review focuses on osteoarthritis, the disease, causes, treatments, and presents a glimpse of some new therapies under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accelerometers are motion-sensing devices that have been used to assess physical activity in dogs. However, the lack of a user-friendly, inexpensive accelerometer has hindered the widespread use of this objective outcome measure in veterinary research. Recently, a smartphone-based, affordable activity monitor (Whistle) has become available for measurement of at-home physical activity in dogs. The aim of this research was to evaluate this novel accelerometer. Eleven large breed, privately owned dogs wore a collar fitted with both the Whistle device and a previously validated accelerometer-based activity monitor (Actical) for a 24-h time period. Owners were asked to have their dogs resume normal daily activities. Total activity time obtained from the Whistle device in minutes was compared to the total activity count from the Actical device. Activity intensity from the Whistle device was calculated manually from screenshots of the activity bars displayed in the smartphone-application and compared to the activity count recorded by the Actical in the same 3-min time period. Results: A total of 3740 time points were compared. There was a strong correlation between activity intensity of both devices for individual time points (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.81, p < 0.0001). An even stronger correlation was observed between the total activity data between the two devices (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.925, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Activity data provided by the Whistle activity monitor may be used as an objective outcome measurement in dogs. The total activity time provided by the Whistle application offers an inexpensive method for obtaining at-home, canine, real-time physical activity data. Limitations of the Whistle device include the limited battery life, the need for manual derivation of activity intensity data and data transfer, and the requirement of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth availability for data transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the arthritis is believed to be among common diseases which prevail in the developed and developing countries, including Iran. In demographic studies, the prevalence of knee arthritis which stands at %15/3 in the population above 15-years old was shown. Owing to the fact that societies are about to be aged than before, the issue has become a growing significance in the subject matter of public health. The present study is conducted with an aim to investigate into the effect of training based on the planned behavior model on preventing the teachers of preliminary schools from getting knee arthritis. Methods: the study as an intervention research is of quasi-experimental kind. The population in question included 114 individuals among female teachers of preliminary schools who were brought to the study randomly and divided into two groups; intervention and non-intervention. Based on the primary results, the educational contents were designed and submitted in the intervention group. After two months of executing the training program, the post test was carried out. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 18. Due to the loss of normality in data distribution, nonparametric tests were used. Results: the study demonstrated that the components of the planned behavior theory (i.e. the attitudes, subjective norms and the control of perceived behavior) could altogether estimate %37 of intention and %43 of behavior. Meanwhile, the role of subjective norms (β =56/0) in predicting intention was overriding, In this study,after the educational program, control of perceived behavior scores increased of 32/50 ± 4/05 to 34/82 ± 5/66. indicating that the major obstacles in adopting behaviors preventing from knee arthritis are the lack of regular physical activity (%72/4) and failure to use western-style toilet (%57). Conclusion: In this Study the effect theory of planned behavior support in predicting exercise intentions and behavior in the prevention of knee osteoarthritis in women teacher [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis can often be improved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); however, the number of adverse drug events associated with NSAID use reported to the Federal Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine is higher than that for any other companion animal drug. Of those events, adverse renal reactions are the second most reported. NSAIDs produce pharmacologic effects via inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), which decreases production of prostanoids. Prostaglandins are synthesized by both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes in the healthy kidney and influence renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, renin release, and Na excretion. There are important species differences in the renal expression of COX-1 and COX-2. For example, dogs have higher basal levels of COX-2 expression in the kidney compared with humans. In addition, in dogs with chronic kidney disease, an increase in COX-2 expression occurs and synthesis of prostaglandins shifts to the COX-2 pathway. For those reasons, NSAIDs that target COX-2 may be expected to adversely affect renal function in dogs, especially dogs with chronic kidney disease. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature to report the renal effects of NSAIDs in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cell therapies are rapidly gaining attention as a promising tool for tissue regeneration. A variety of stem cell types have been studied as potential candidates to restore the structure and function of damaged organs or tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated the use of stem cells isolated from dental pulp in dentistry and tissue engineering. In our previous studies we have shown the applications of puppy deciduous teeth stem cells (pDSCs) to restore infarcted myocardium and ulceration of the cornea. For this study, our aim was to provide a novel therapeutic application of allogeneic pDSCs in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints. The method to isolate mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental pulp of dogs and the use of allogeneic puppy deciduous teeth stem cells in osteosrthritis problems were evaluated. Clinical effects of multiple intra-articular injections of pDSCs were investigated on 8 dogs with lameness associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Clinical assessments were collected by interviews and questionnaires. Immediate improvements in clinical scoring in all dogs were seen in 14 days after pDSC injection with no complications. The findings indicated that pDSC treatment considerably helped reduce pain and lameness, improve the quality of life activities and prevent osteoarthritis progression. Multiple Intra-articular injections of pDSCs might be a novel strategy for the treatment of OA in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study has been envisaged to ascertain the old age for critical management of geriatric dogs considering the parameters of externally visible changes, haemato-biochemical alterations and urine analysis in geriatric dogs approaching senility. Materials and Methods: The study was undertaken in the Department of Veterinary Pathology in collaboration with Teaching Veterinary Clinic complex spanning a period of 1 year. For screening of geriatric dogs, standard geriatric age chart of different breeds was followed. The external characteristics such as hair coat texture, dental wear and tear, skin texture and glaucoma were taken as a marker of old age. Haematology, serum biochemistry and urine analysis were also included in the study. Results: External visible changes like greying of hair, dull appearance of hair coat, glaucoma, osteoarthritis, dental wear and tear were commonly encountered in the aged dogs. The haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and packed cell volume showed a decreasing trend in the geriatric groups. Biochemical values like total protein, albumin, calcium level showed a decreasing trend while urea level with an increasing trend in geriatric dogs without any much alteration in serum glutamicoxaloacetic transaminse, serum glutamic-pyruvate transaminase, cholesterol and creatinine. Physical examination of urine revealed yellow, amber, red, deep red color with turbidity and higher specific gravity. Chemical examination revealed presence of protein, glucose, ketone bodies, blood and bilirubin on some cases. The culture and sensitivity test of the urine samples revealed presence of bacteria with sensitive and resistance to some antibiotics. Conclusion: External visible changes are still the golden standard of determining the old age in dogs. Haemato-biochemical evaluation can be useful for correlating with the pathophysiological status of the animal. Biochemical analysis of urine can be employed rightly as kidney dysfunction is being major geriatric problem. Anaemia, jaundice, nephritis, hepatitis are the most common findings considered during old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the use of Global Positioning System receiver (GPS) derived performance measures for differentiating between: 1) different outdoor activities in healthy dogs; 2) healthy dogs and those with osteoarthritis; 3) osteoarthritic dogs before and after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesia. Design: Prospective study. Animals: Ten healthy dogs and seven dogs with osteoarthritis of the elbow joint (OA dogs). Procedure: Healthy dogs were walked on a standard route on-lead, off-lead and subjected to playing activity (chasing a ball) whilst wearing a GPS collar. Each dog was walked for five consecutive days. Dogs with OA were subjected to a single off-lead walk whilst wearing a GPS collar, and then administered oral Carprofen analgesia daily for two weeks. OA dogs were then subjected to the same walk, again wearing a GPS collar. Results: GPS derived measures of physical performance could differentiate between on-lead activity, off-lead activity and playing activity in healthy dogs, and between healthy dogs and OA dogs. Variation in the performance measures analysed was greater between individual dogs than for individual dogs on different days. Performance measures could differentiate healthy dogs from OA dogs. OA Dogs treated with Carprofen analgesia showed improvements in their physical performance, which returned to values indistinguishable from those of healthy dogs on nearly all the measures assessed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: GPS derived measures of physical performance in dogs are objective, easy to quantify, and can be used to gauge the effects of disease and success of clinical treatments. Specific stimuli can be used to modulate physical performance beyond the self-governed boundaries that dogs will naturally express when allowed to exercise freely without stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine osteoarthritis is a common disorder seen in veterinary clinical practice and causes considerable morbidity in dogs as they age. Synovial fluid analysis is an important tool for diagnosis and treatment of canine joint disease and obtaining a total nucleated cell count (TNCC) is particularly important. However, the low sample volumes obtained during arthrocentesis are often insufficient for performing an automated TNCC, thereby limiting diagnostic interpretation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether estimation of TNCC in canine synovial fluid could be achieved by performing manual cell counts on direct smears of fluid. Fifty-eight synovial fluid samples, taken by arthrocentesis from 48 dogs, were included in the study. Direct smears of synovial fluid were prepared, and hyaluronidase added before cell counts were obtained using a commercial laser-based instrument. A protocol was established to count nucleated cells in a specific region of the smear, using a serpentine counting pattern; the mean number of nucleated cells per 400 x field was then calculated. There was a positive correlation between the automated TNCC and mean manual cell count, with more variability at higher TNCC. Regression analysis was performed to estimate TNCC from manual counts. By this method, 78% of the samples were correctly predicted to fall into one of three categories (within the reference interval, mildly to moderately increased, or markedly increased) relative to the automated TNCC. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreement was good to excellent. The results of the study suggest that interpretation of canine synovial fluid samples of low volume can be aided by methodical manual counting of cells on direct smears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been unprecedented interest in recent years in the use of stem cells as therapy for an array of diseases in companion animals. Stem cells have already been deployed therapeutically in a number of clinical settings, in particular the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat osteoarthritis in horses and dogs. However, an assessment of the scientific literature highlights a marked disparity between the purported benefits of stem cell therapies and their proven abilities as defined by rigorously controlled scientific studies. Although preliminary data generated from clinical trials in human patients are encouraging, therapies currently available to treat animals are supported by very limited clinical evidence, and the commercialisation of these treatments may be premature. This review introduces the three main types of stem cells relevant to veterinary applications, namely, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells, and draws together research findings from in vitro and in vivo studies to give an overview of current stem cell therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis in animals. Recent advances in tissue engineering, which is proposed as the future direction of stem cell-based therapy for osteoarthritis, are also discussed. [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]

Objective. To evaluate the pharmacological, clinical and toxicological effects of celecoxib and meloxicam for analgesia for 30 days in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Materials and methods. Twenty-four patients were evaluated, 75% were females with an average age of 7.16 ± 2.06 years and twenty five percent were males with an average age of 7.83 ± 2.22 years. All patients had hip osteoarthritis and they were randomized into two groups; one group received oral celecoxib 5 mg/kg every 12 hours during one month and the second group received oral meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg every 24 hours during 1 month. The patients were evaluated for analgesia, and hematological, renal, liver, and coagulation tests on days 0, 10th and 30th after treatment initiation, and a gastric endoscopy on day 30. Statistical analysis was performed using a HSD Tukey test and c² with a 5% level of statistical significance. Results. Both drugs reduced articular pain according to the Melbourne scale during the 30 days of treatment (p≤0.05). Hematological, renal, hepatic and coagulation tests were normal in both treatment groups. All patients presented chronic gastritis on endoscopy on day 30th. Conclusions. Both drugs decreased pain at day 30th without causing alterations in hematological, renal, hepatic or coagulation tests after 30 days of treatment. However, both drugs induced chronic gastritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CR) is a common cause of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. Dogs with unilateral CR often develop contralateral CR over time. Although radiographic signs of contralateral stifle joint osteoarthritis (OA) influence risk of subsequent contralateral CR, this risk has not been studied in detail. Methodology/Principal Findings: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of client-owned dogs with unilateral CR to determine how severity of radiographic stifle synovial effusion and osteophytosis influence risk of contralateral CR over time. Detailed survival analysis was performed for a cohort of 85 dogs after case filtering of an initial sample population of 513 dogs. This population was stratified based on radiographic severity of synovial effusion (graded on a scale of 0, 1, and 2) and severity of osteophytosis (graded on a scale of 0, 1, 2, and 3) of both index and contralateral stifle joints using a reproducible scoring method. Severity of osteophytosis in the index and contralateral stifles was significantly correlated. Rupture of the contralateral cranial cruciate ligament was significantly influenced by radiographic OA in both the index and contralateral stifles at diagnosis. Odds ratio for development of contralateral CR in dogs with severe contralateral radiographic stifle effusion was 13.4 at one year after diagnosis and 11.4 at two years. Odds ratio for development of contralateral CR in dogs with severe contralateral osteophytosis was 9.9 at one year after diagnosis. These odds ratios were associated with decreased time to contralateral CR. Breed, age, body weight, gender, and tibial plateau angle did not significantly influence time to contralateral CR. Conclusion: Subsequent contralateral CR is significantly influenced by severity of radiographic stifle effusion and osteophytosis in the contralateral stifle, suggesting that synovitis and arthritic joint degeneration are significant factors in the disease mechanism underlying the arthropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of robenacoxib in osteoarthritic dogs using four ordinal responses measured repeatedly over time. We propose a multivariate probit mixed effects model to describe the joint evolution of endpoints and to evidence the intrinsic correlations between responses that are not due to treatment effect. Maximum likelihood computation is intractable within reasonable time frames. We therefore use a pairwise modeling approach in combination with a stochastic EM algorithm. Multidimensional ordinal responses with longitudinal measurements are a common feature in clinical trials. However, the standard methods for data analysis use unidimensional models, resulting in a loss of information. Our methodology provides substantially greater insight than these methods for the evaluation of treatment effects and shows a good performance at low computational cost. We thus believe that it could be used in routine practice to optimize the evaluation of treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a single intra-articular injection of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) versus plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a treatment for reducing symptoms in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This was a randomized, multicenter, blinded, parallel group. Thirty-nine dogs with symptomatic hip OA were assigned to one of the two groups, to receive aMSCs or PRGF. The primary outcome measures were pain and function subscales, including radiologic assessment, functional limitation and joint mobility. The secondary outcome measures were owners' satisfaction questionnaire, rescue analgesic requirement and overall safety. Data was collected at baseline, then, 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Results: OA degree did not vary within groups. Functional limitation, range of motion (ROM), owner's and veterinary investigator visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient's quality of life improved from the first month up to six months. The aMSCs group obtained better results at 6 months. There were no adverse effects during the study. Our findings show that aMSCs and PRGF are safe and effective in the functional analysis at 1, 3 and 6 months; provide a significant improvement, reducing dog's pain, and improving physical function. With respect to basal levels for every parameter in patients with hip OA, aMSCs showed better results at 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Regenerative medicine using Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) alone or combined with Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) is a rapidly growing area of clinical research and is currently also being used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Force platform analysis has been consistently used to verify and quantify the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies for the treatment of OA in dogs including MSC associated to PRGF, but never with AD-MSC alone. The aim of this study was to use a force platform to measure the efficacy of intraarticular ADMSC administration for limb function improvement in dogs with severe OA. Results Ten lame dogs with severe hip OA and a control group of 5 sound dogs were used for this study. Results were statistically analyzed to detect a significant increase in peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) in treated dogs. Mean values of PVF and VI were significantly improved within the first three months post-treatment in the OA group, increasing 9% and 2.5% body weight, respectively, at day 30. After this, the effect seems to decrease reaching initial values. Conclusion Intraarticular ADMSC therapy objectively improved limb function in dogs with hip OA. The duration of maximal effect was less than 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective--To determine changes in Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores for dogs with osteoarthritis after administration of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against nerve growth factor (NGF) that was modified by use of a proprietary process for administration to dogs. Animals--11 adult dogs. Procedures--Dogs received the anti-NGF mAb (0.2 mg/kg, IV) at various evaluation times during the study period; at other evaluation times, dogs received an equivalent volume of PBS solution IV. Owners determined Canine Brief Pain Inventory pain severity (PS) and pain interference (PI) scores immediately before (baseline) and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after administration of the anti-NGF mAb; owners were unaware of the evaluation time at which the mAb had been administered. Results--Compared with baseline PS scores (median, 4.75; range, 0.75 to 8.5), dogs had significantly lower PS scores 2 weeks (median, 3; range, 1 to 5.5) and 4 weeks (median, 2.25; range, 0.25 to 725) after administration of anti-NGF mAb. Compared with baseline Pi scores (median, 5.33; range, 1.17 to 9.33), dogs had significantly lower PI scores 2 weeks (median, 3; range, 0.67 to 6.83) and 4 weeks (median, 3.33; range, 0.67 to 6.67) after administration of anti-NGF mAb. The PS and PI scores 6 weeks after mAb administration were lower than baseline scores, although values were not significantly different. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results of this study suggested the evaluated anti-NGF mAb decreased PS and PI scores for 4 weeks after administration. This treatment may be effective for alleviation of signs of pain in dogs with osteoarthritis for up to 4 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates arekey structural components of extracellular fluid in articular cartilage. From previous studies, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates have several positive effects on cartilage homeostasis and are used in osteoarthritis patients. Although glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates have some positive effects on clinical treatment of osteoarthritis, clinical results still need to be investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes on lameness score, radiological score, serum WF6 level and serum HA level of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates in osteoarthritic dogs, using anterior cruciate ligament rupture patients as study models of osteoarthritis (n=12). The results from this studyshow no statistical significance between the glucosamine/chondroitin (GsCn) (n=6) and placebo groups (Plab) (n=6) in weight bearing score, lameness score, serum level of hyarulonic (HA) and WF6 chondroitin epitope and radiological score throughout the 16-week study. In the GsCn group the serum WF6 level decreased more rapidly and the increase in serum HA level was slower, compared to the Plab group. Consequently, from these findings, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate contained nutraceutical may provide some delay effects on the degradation process of cartilage and inflammation of synovial membrane. Moreover, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates had a high safety index and did not show any adverse effect throughout the study period (16 weeks). [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 objectives of this study were to determine whether thermal quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be performed in client-owned dogs, is repeatable and whether QST differs between normal dogs and dogs with hind limb osteoarthritis (OA). This clinical, prospective, observational study used clinically normal dogs (n = 23) and dogs with OA-associated hind limb pain (n = 9). Thermal 0ST was performed in standing dogs using a high-powered light source delivered by a previously validated system. Dogs were tested on two occasions, 2 weeks apart. Five tests were performed on each hind limb at each time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of leg, time point and OA/normal status on thermal threshold latencies (TTL). Additionally, paired t tests were used to compare the TTL of left and right limbs within groups and between time points. Thermal thresholds were successfully measured in 32 client-owned dogs without prior training. TTL were significantly different between normal and OA dogs (P= 0.012). There was no difference between limbs (P = 0.744) or time periods (P= 0.572), when analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance, and no interactions between group and limb, visit and limb, or visit and group. In conclusion, thermal thresholds can be measured in client owned dogs with no prior training and are repeatable from week to week. Further data are required to determine if OA results in thermal hypoalgesia as measured at the distal hind limb and whether this is an indication of central sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To determine the optimal method for use of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) to quantitate responses of dogs with osteoarthritis to treatment with carprofen or placebo. Animals--150 dogs with osteoarthritis. Procedures--Data were analyzed from 2 studies with identical protocols in which owner-completed CBPIs were used. Treatment for each dog was classified as a success or failure by comparing the pain severity score (PSS) and pain interference score (PIS) on day 0 (baseline) with those on day 14. Treatment success or failure was defined on the basis of various combinations of reduction in the 2 scores when inclusion criteria were set as a PSS and PIS > 1, 2, or 3 at baseline. Statistical analyses were performed to select the definition of treatment success that had the greatest statistical power to detect differences between carprofen and placebo treatments. Results--Defining treatment success as a reduction of > 1 in PSS and > 2 in PIS in each dog had consistently robust power. Power was 62.8% in the population that included only dogs with baseline scores > 2 and 64.7% in the population that included only dogs with baseline scores > 3. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--The CBPI had robust statistical power to evaluate the treatment effect of carprofen in dogs with osteoarthritis when protocol success criteria were predefined as a reduction > 1 in PIS and > 2 in PSS. Results indicated the CBPI can be used as an outcome measure in clinical trials to evaluate new pain treatments when it is desirable to evaluate success in individual dogs rather than overall mean or median scores in a test population. [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]