Summary
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of intra-articular botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) in
dogs with chronic osteo-arthritis.
Methods: Client-owned dogs with lameness and discomfort attributed to unilateral elbow or
hip osteoarthritis were eligible for inclusion (n = 5). All dogs had BoNT/A (25 units)
administered to the affected joint (2 elbows, 3 hips). Dogs were evaluated by pressure
platform gait analysis before and at two, four, eight, and 12 weeks post-injection,
and by client perception of outcome.
Results: In experimental limbs, ground reaction forces (peak vertical force and vertical impulse)
consistently improved for a variable period of time following intra-articular BoNT/A
therapy. These changes were not, however, observed in the contralateral limbs, in
which values remained relatively unchanged or decreased. Four out of five owners reported
at least some improvement in their dog’s condition following treatment.
Clinical significance: A multimodal approach with the intra-articular administration of BoNT/A may be an
option for osteoarthritis patients that are unresponsive to medical management and
unable to undergo surgery. However, the findings of this study are preliminary and
must be verified by further investigation.
Keywords
Botox
®
- botulinum toxin type A - intraarticular injection - osteoarthritis - gait analysis
