Placebo-controlled pilot study of the effects of an eggshell membrane-based supplement on mobility and serum biomarkers in dogs with osteoarthritis

Publication date: Available online 13 September 2019Source: The Veterinary JournalAuthor(s): C. Muller, M. Enomoto, A. Buono, J.M. Steiner, B.D.X. LascellesAbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease in dogs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat OA; however, many dogs do not obtain adequate pain relief with an NSAID alone. This pilot study evaluated the systemic anti-inflammatory and mobility enhancing effects of an eggshell membrane-based nutritional supplement in dogs with OA-associated pain and mobility impairment. Twenty-seven dogs with OA-associated pain were enrolled into a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, proof of principle pilot study and received either placebo or an eggshell membrane-based nutritional supplement over a 12-week period. Inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, S100A12, and N-methylhistamine) were measured at Day 0 and Day 84. Owner questionnaires (CBPI and LOAD) were completed at Day 0, Day 42, and Day 84. Differences between groups over time were calculated.Twenty-two dogs completed the pilot study. Inflammatory biomarker IL-2 decreased in the supplement group, compared to the placebo group. Although small, the difference was statistically significant at an alpha of 0.1 (P = 0.069). LOAD scores were numerically lower in the supplement group, but not significantly different from the placebo group at Day 0. Day 84 LOAD scores were significan...
Source: The Veterinary Journal - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research