THE ROLE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN MANAGING OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOGS

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive joint anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical disease characterized by the degeneration of therapy, and weight management. While these cartilage and the underlying bone within a joint, approaches can be effective, they often come with leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired movement. side effects and may not fully address the long-term It is one of the most common causes of chronic pain needs of affected dogs. in dogs, significantly impacting their quality of life and mobility. Traditional management strategies In recent years, there has been growing interest in for canine osteoarthritis primarily involve the potential role of dietary supplements as a https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajvswd 7 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES AND WILDLIFE DISCOVERY (ISSN – 2689-0968) VOLUME 06 ISSUE04 complementary therapy for managing METHOD osteoarthritis in dogs. Nutritional supplements, This study was designed as a randomized, double- including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to support efficacy of dietary supplements in managing joint health by promoting cartilage repair, reducing osteoarthritis in dogs. The trial lasted for 12 weeks inflammation, and enhancing overall joint function. and involved two groups: a treatment group These supplements offer a promising alternative receiving a combination of dietary supplements for managing OA symptoms with a potentially and a control group receiving a placebo. A total of lower risk of adverse effects compared to 60 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis were conventional pharmaceutical treatments. recruited from veterinary clinics. Clinical diagnosis This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a specific of osteoarthritis based on radiographic evidence combination of dietary supplements in alleviating and physical examination. Age between 5 and 12 the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. By years. Body weight between 15 and 40 kg. Owners’ comparing the clinical outcomes of dogs receiving consent to participate in the study and adhere to the dietary supplement with those receiving a the protocol. Concurrent severe systemic illness. placebo, this research seeks to determine the Recent surgery or injury affecting mobility. Current potential benefits of incorporating nutritional use of other dietary supplements or medications interventions into the standard management influencing joint health, except for NSAIDs, which protocol for canine osteoarthritis. were allowed if used consistently before the trial. Understanding the impact of dietary supplements Dogs were randomly assigned to either the on canine osteoarthritis is crucial for developing treatment group or the placebo group using a holistic and sustainable treatment strategies. By computer-generated randomization schedule. Both providing a safer and potentially more effective the veterinarians administering the treatment and alternative to traditional therapies, dietary the owners were blinded to the group assignments. supplements could play a significant role in The treatment group received a combination of improving the quality of life for dogs suffering from dietary supplements containing: Glucosamine this debilitating condition. This study contributes hydrochloride: 500 mg, Chondroitin sulfate: 400 to the growing body of evidence supporting the use mg, Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): 300 mg, of nutritional supplements in veterinary medicine MSM (methylsulfonylmethane): 200 mg, Vitamin E: and offers valuable insights for veterinarians and 50 IU. The placebo group received an identical- pet owners seeking to optimize the health and well- looking supplement without the active ingredients. being of their canine companions. Both treatments were administered orally once daily with food. https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajvswd 8 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES AND WILDLIFE DISCOVERY (ISSN – 2689-0968) VOLUME 06 ISSUE04 bearing and stride length. A standardized Owners completed the CBPI to evaluate pain questionnaire evaluated the dog's overall activity severity and pain interference in daily activities. level, willingness to exercise, and quality of life. Conducted by a blinded veterinarian to assess joint Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and other pain, swelling, and range of motion. Objective inflammatory markers were measured at baseline, measurement of gait parameters using a pressure- 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. sensitive walkway to quantify changes in weight- https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajvswd 9 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES AND WILDLIFE DISCOVERY (ISSN – 2689-0968) VOLUME 06 ISSUE04 https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajvswd 10 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENC