Summary
Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of an orally administered nutraceutical (Glu/ CS+;
+ for additional ingredient) for the treatment of clinical osteoarthritis (OA) in
dogs.
Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, client-owned
dogs with clinical signs of OA in one or more joints were assigned to a Glu/CS+ (n
= 30) or placebo (n = 30) group. Dogs were administered Glu/CS+ or placebo orally
and wore an activity monitor (AM) continuously throughout a 97 day study period. Prior
to the initiation of the treatment, seven days of baseline activity was collected.
On days –7, 30, 60 and 90 of the study, owners completed a patient assessment form
(Canine Brief Pain Inventory). Data between groups were compared.
Results: No serious adverse events were reported. No difference was found between groups when
evaluating daily activity counts during the seven-day pre-treatment period and the
90-day treatment period. Owner assessment (pain interference and pain severity scores)
improved over the 90-day treatment period for both groups, however no difference was
found between treatment groups. Conclusions: Treatment with oral Glu/CS+ for a 90 day treatment period when compared to placebo
treatment did not result in a significant increase in activity counts in dogs with
clinical OA. However, owner assessment scores similarly improved throughout the study
period for dogs in both groups, suggesting a caregiver placebo effect in this outcome
measure.
Supplementary material for this article is available at https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-17-02-0020
Keywords
Dogs - osteoarthritis - glucosamine - activity monitor - chondroitin