Efficacy of an oral nutraceutical for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled prospective clinical trial

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 pa- tient assessment form (Canine Brief Pain In-ventory). 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.