Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5794837 | Research in Veterinary Science | 2014 | 8 Pages |
â¢We evaluated a herb-based natural health product in osteoarthritis-afflicted dogs.â¢We performed a randomized placebo-controlled trial.â¢We examined changes in the functional ability over a duration of 8 weeks.â¢Administration of a herb-based natural health product improved the dog condition.
An oral herb-based natural health product (NHP) was evaluated in the canine natural osteoarthritis model. At baseline, the peak vertical force (PVF, primary endpoint) and case-specific outcome measure of disability (CSOM) were recorded in privately-owned dogs. Dogs (16/group) were randomized to receive NHP formulations or a negative control. The PVF was measured at week (W) 4 and W8. Daily locomotor activity was recorded using accelerometer. The CSOMs were assessed bi-weekly by the owner. The NHP-treated dogs (nâ=â13) had higher PVF at W4 (pâ=â0.020) and W8 (pâ<0.001) when compared to baseline. The changes at W8 were higher than control dogs (nâ=â14, pâ<0.027) and consistent with Cohen's d effect size of 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.0-1.5). The NHP-treated dogs had higher locomotor activity at W8 (pâ=â0.025) when compared to baseline. No significant change was observed for the CSOM. The NHP improved the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in this model.