THE ROLE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN MANAGING OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOGS

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Elena Amato, . (2024). THE ROLE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN MANAGING OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOGS. The American Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Wildlife Discovery, 6(04), 7–13. Retrieved from https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/tajvswd/article/view/44152
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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease in dogs, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life. Traditional management strategies primarily include pharmaceutical interventions such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. However, dietary supplements have emerged as a potential adjunct therapy, offering a promising alternative for managing OA symptoms with fewer side effects. This study evaluates the efficacy of specific dietary supplements in alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. A cohort of 60 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis was selected and divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, and other joint-supporting nutrients, and a control group receiving a placebo. Over a 12-week period, dogs were monitored for changes in pain levels, mobility, and overall joint function using validated veterinary pain scales, owner assessments, and objective measures such as gait analysis. Results indicated that the treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain reduction and mobility compared to the control group. Specifically, dogs receiving the dietary supplement exhibited enhanced joint flexibility, reduced inflammation, and an overall improvement in quality of life. These findings suggest that dietary supplements can be an effective complementary approach in managing osteoarthritis in dogs, potentially reducing the reliance on NSAIDs and minimizing associated risks. In conclusion, incorporating dietary supplements into the treatment regimen for canine osteoarthritis may offer a safer and effective alternative for improving the well-being of affected dogs. Further long-term studies are recommended to fully understand the benefits and optimal formulations of these supplements in managing osteoarthritis in the canine population.


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PUBLISHED DATE: - 01-08-2024

PAGE NO.: - 7-13

THE ROLE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN
MANAGING OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOGS

Elena Amato

Department of Veterinary Medicine andAnimal Production, University of NapoliFederico II,

Naples, Italy

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive joint

disease characterized by the degeneration of
cartilage and the underlying bone within a joint,

leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired movement.
It is one of the most common causes of chronic pain

in dogs, significantly impacting their quality of life
and mobility. Traditional management strategies

for canine osteoarthritis primarily involve

pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical
therapy, and weight management. While these

approaches can be effective, they often come with

side effects and may not fully address the long-term
needs of affected dogs.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in

the potential role of dietary supplements as a

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Open Access

Abstract


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complementary

therapy

for

managing

osteoarthritis in dogs. Nutritional supplements,

including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and

omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to support
joint health by promoting cartilage repair, reducing

inflammation, and enhancing overall joint function.
These supplements offer a promising alternative

for managing OA symptoms with a potentially
lower risk of adverse effects compared to

conventional pharmaceutical treatments.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a specific

combination of dietary supplements in alleviating

the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. By

comparing the clinical outcomes of dogs receiving
the dietary supplement with those receiving a

placebo, this research seeks to determine the
potential benefits of incorporating nutritional

interventions into the standard management
protocol for canine osteoarthritis.
Understanding the impact of dietary supplements

on canine osteoarthritis is crucial for developing
holistic and sustainable treatment strategies. By

providing a safer and potentially more effective

alternative to traditional therapies, dietary
supplements could play a significant role in

improving the quality of life for dogs suffering from
this debilitating condition. This study contributes

to the growing div of evidence supporting the use
of nutritional supplements in veterinary medicine

and offers valuable insights for veterinarians and
pet owners seeking to optimize the health and well-

being of their canine companions.

METHOD

This study was designed as a randomized, double-

blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the
efficacy of dietary supplements in managing

osteoarthritis in dogs. The trial lasted for 12 weeks
and involved two groups: a treatment group

receiving a combination of dietary supplements
and a control group receiving a placebo. A total of

60 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis were
recruited from veterinary clinics. Clinical diagnosis

of osteoarthritis based on radiographic evidence
and physical examination. Age between 5 and 12

years. Bod

y weight between 15 and 40 kg. Owners’

consent to participate in the study and adhere to
the protocol. Concurrent severe systemic illness.

Recent surgery or injury affecting mobility. Current
use of other dietary supplements or medications

influencing joint health, except for NSAIDs, which
were allowed if used consistently before the trial.
Dogs were randomly assigned to either the

treatment group or the placebo group using a
computer-generated randomization schedule. Both

the veterinarians administering the treatment and

the owners were blinded to the group assignments.
The treatment group received a combination of

dietary supplements containing: Glucosamine
hydrochloride: 500 mg, Chondroitin sulfate: 400

mg, Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): 300 mg,
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane): 200 mg, Vitamin E:

50 IU. The placebo group received an identical-
looking supplement without the active ingredients.

Both treatments were administered orally once
daily with food.


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Owners completed the CBPI to evaluate pain

severity and pain interference in daily activities.
Conducted by a blinded veterinarian to assess joint

pain, swelling, and range of motion. Objective
measurement of gait parameters using a pressure-

sensitive walkway to quantify changes in weight-

bearing and stride length. A standardized
questionnaire evaluated the dog's overall activity

level, willingness to exercise, and quality of life.
Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other

inflammatory markers were measured at baseline,
6 weeks, and 12 weeks.


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Data were analyzed using statistical software.

Changes from baseline to the end of the study in

primary outcome measures were compared
between the treatment and placebo groups using

paired t-tests or non-parametric equivalents as
appropriate. A p-value of less than 0.05 was

considered statistically significant. The study was
conducted following ethical guidelines for animal

research and was approved by an institutional
animal care and use committee. Informed consent

was obtained from all dog owners before
participation.

By

employing

a

rigorous

methodology, this study aimed to provide robust

evidence on the effectiveness of dietary
supplements in managing osteoarthritis in dogs,

potentially offering a new avenue for enhancing the
well-being of affected canine patients.
The significant improvements in pain, mobility,

and quality of life observed in the treatment group
suggest that dietary supplements can be a valuable

component of a comprehensive OA management
plan for dogs. These supplements offer a favorable

safety profile, with minimal adverse effects

reported, making them an attractive option for
long-term use. Reducing reliance on NSAIDs, which

can have significant side effects, especially with
prolonged use, is another important consideration.

The positive impact on inflammatory markers,
such as CRP, further supports the role of these

supplements in modulating the underlying
inflammatory processes in OA. This anti-

inflammatory effect may not only alleviate
symptoms but also slow disease progression,

offering long-term benefits for affected dogs.

RESULTS

Out of the 60 dogs initially enrolled, 57 completed

the study (treatment group: 29; placebo group: 28).
Three dogs were withdrawn due to non-

compliance with the protocol or unrelated health
issues.

The

demographic

and

baseline

characteristics of the dogs in both groups were
comparable, with no significant differences in age,

weight, severity of osteoarthritis, or baseline pain

and mobility scores. The treatment group showed
a significant reduction in pain severity scores from

baseline to week 12 (mean reduction: 2.1 points; p
< 0.01). The placebo group had a smaller, non-

significant reduction in pain severity (mean

reduction: 0.8 points; p > 0.05). Pain interference
scores in the treatment group also significantly

decreased (mean reduction: 2.4 points; p < 0.01),
while the placebo group showed no significant

change (mean reduction: 0.7 points; p > 0.05).
Dogs in the treatment group exhibited significant

improvements in joint pain and range of motion

(mean improvement: 3.5 points on a 10-point
scale; p < 0.01). The placebo group showed

minimal changes (mean improvement: 1.2 points;

p > 0.05). Treatment group dogs demonstrated
significant improvements in weight-bearing on the

affected limbs and increased stride length (p < 0.01
for both measures). The placebo group showed no

significant changes in gait parameters (p > 0.05).
Owners of dogs in the treatment group reported

significant improvements in overall activity level,

willingness to exercise, and quality of life (mean
improvement: 3.8 points on a 10-point scale; p <

0.01). In the placebo group, owner assessments

showed minimal changes (mean improvement: 1.1
points; p > 0.05). Dogs in the treatment group had

a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP)
levels from baseline to week 12 (mean reduction:

15%; p < 0.01). The placebo group showed no
significant change in CRP levels (mean reduction:

2%; p > 0.05). No serious adverse events were
reported in either group. Minor gastrointestinal

upset was noted in three dogs from the treatment
group, which resolved without intervention.
The findings of this study indicate that dietary

supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin

sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, MSM, and vitamin E
significantly improved pain, mobility, and quality

of life in dogs with osteoarthritis. The treatment
group showed substantial reductions in pain

severity and interference, enhanced joint function,
improved gait, and decreased inflammatory

markers compared to the placebo group. These
results support the potential role of dietary

supplements as an effective adjunctive therapy in
managing osteoarthritis in dogs.


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DISCUSSION

The results of this study demonstrate that dietary

supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin
sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, MSM, and vitamin E

can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of
osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. These findings support

the growing div of evidence that nutritional
interventions can play a critical role in managing

OA, providing a safer and effective alternative or
adjunct to traditional pharmacological treatments.

Our findings are consistent with previous studies
that have highlighted the benefits of glucosamine

and chondroitin sulfate in supporting joint health

and reducing OA symptoms in dogs. For instance,
McCarthy et al. (2007) found that a combination of

glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate significantly
improved pain and mobility in dogs with OA over a

six-week period. Similarly, a study by Moreau et al.
(2003) reported improvements in weight-bearing

and joint function in dogs treated with these
supplements.
The addition of omega-3 fatty acids, MSM, and

vitamin E in our study likely contributed to the

enhanced anti-inflammatory effects and overall
joint support observed. Omega-3 fatty acids have

been shown to reduce the production of pro-
inflammatory cytokines, thereby decreasing

inflammation and pain associated with OA. MSM is
believed to support joint health through its anti-

inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while
vitamin E provides additional antioxidant support,

potentially protecting joint tissues from oxidative
damage.
The beneficial effects of the dietary supplements

observed in this study can be attributed to their

combined mechanisms of action. Glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate are key components of cartilage

matrix and have been shown to promote cartilage
repair and reduce degradation. Omega-3 fatty acids

help modulate inflammatory responses, which is
crucial in managing chronic conditions like OA.

MSM contributes to the reduction of inflammatory
mediators and oxidative stress, further supporting

joint health. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, helps
protect joint tissues from oxidative damage, which

is often exacerbated in OA.

The sample size, although adequate to demonstrate

significant effects, was relatively small. Larger-

scale studies are needed to confirm these findings

and to explore the effects of different dosages and
combinations of dietary supplements. Additionally,

the study duration was limited to 12 weeks; longer-
term studies are necessary to assess the sustained

benefits and potential long-term safety of these
supplements. By reducing pain, enhancing

mobility, and improving overall quality of life, these
supplements offer a promising adjunctive therapy

for canine OA. Incorporating dietary supplements
into the standard treatment protocol could help

veterinarians and pet owners provide more
comprehensive and effective care for dogs

suffering from this debilitating condition.

CONCLUSION

This study provides strong evidence supporting

the efficacy of dietary supplements in managing
osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. The combination of

glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty
acids, MSM, and vitamin E significantly improved

pain, mobility, and quality of life in affected dogs,

with minimal adverse effects. These findings
suggest that dietary supplements can serve as a

valuable adjunctive therapy in the comprehensive
management of canine OA.
The significant improvements in pain reduction,

enhanced

joint

function,

and

decreased

inflammation observed in the treatment group

underscore the potential of these supplements to
complement or even reduce reliance on traditional

pharmacological treatments, such as NSAIDs,

which are often associated with side effects during
long-term use. By targeting multiple mechanisms

involved in OA pathophysiology

such as cartilage

repair, inflammation modulation, and oxidative

stress reduction

these supplements offer a

holistic approach to managing the condition.
The study also highlights the importance of a

multifaceted treatment strategy for OA, one that
includes not only pharmacological interventions

but also nutritional support, physical therapy, and

weight management. The integration of dietary
supplements into routine veterinary care can


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enhance the overall well-being of dogs suffering
from OA, providing them with a better quality of

life.
However, further research with larger sample sizes

and longer study durations is needed to confirm
these findings and to determine the optimal

formulations and dosages of dietary supplements
for canine OA. Future studies should also explore

the biochemical mechanisms underlying the
observed benefits, as well as the potential long-

term safety and efficacy of these supplements. In
conclusion, dietary supplements represent a

promising and safe addition to the therapeutic

arsenal for managing osteoarthritis in dogs. By
improving joint health and reducing pain and

inflammation, these supplements can significantly
enhance the quality of life for dogs with OA,

offering hope for better long-term outcomes in
managing this chronic and debilitating condition.

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References

Abdelouahab N. & Heard C. (2008) Effect of the major glycosidesof Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) on epidermal cy-clooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in vitro. Journal of Natural Products, 71,746–749.

Abdurhman S.A. (2003) Radiographic osteoarthritis and serum choles-terol. Saudi Medical Journal, 24, 745–747.

Aggarwal B.B. (2007) Signalling pathways of the TNF superfamily: Adouble-edged sword. Immunology 3, 744–756.

Aghazadeh-Habashi A. & Jamali F. (2011) The glucosamine controversy;a pharmacokinetic issue. Journal of Pharmacy and PharmaceuticalSciences, 14, 264–273.

Ahangarpour A., Heidari H., Mard S.A., Hashemitabar M. & KhodadadieA. (2014) Progesterone and cilostazol protect mice pancreatic isletsfrom oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Iranian Journalof Pharmaceutical Research, 13, 937–944.

Anderson, K. L., Neill, D. G., Brodbelt, D. C., Churc, D. B., Meeson, R. L.,Sargan, D., Summers, J. F., Zulch, H., & Collins, L. M. (2018). Prevalence,duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dogpopulation under primary veterinary care. Scientific Reports, 8, 5641.

Aragon C.L., Hofmeister E.H. & Budsberg S.C. (2007) Systematic reviewof clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association, 230, 514–521.

Barre D.E. (2001) Potential of evening primrose, borage, blackcurrant and fun-gal oils in human health. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 45, 47–57.

Berge, R. K., Ramsvik, M. S., Bohov, P., Svardal, A., Nordrehaug, J. E.,Rosturp, E., Bruheim, I., & Bjørndal, B. (2015). Krill oil reduces plasmatriacylglycerol level and improves related lipoprotein particle concen-tration, fatty acid composition and redox status in healthy young adults- a pilot study. Lipids in Health and Disease, 14, 163.

Bessa Pereira, C., Gomes, P. S., Costa-Rodrigues, J., Almeida Palmas,R., Vieira, L., Ferraz, M. P., Lopes, M. A., & Fernandes, M. H. (2012).