The efficacy of neutraceuticals to alleviate dog osteoarthritis symptoms, a meta-analysis of case-control trials

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in dogs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are currently the most widely used treatment option; however, their chronic use is associated with numerous malefic side effects, including death. There has been increased interest in alternative treatments and nutraceuticals have assumed fundamental importance. A number of individual studies and systematic reviews have been done, but no meta-analysis has been produced to date. By conducting a meta-analysis, we aimed to fill this research gap. We combined the results of 13 case placebo controlled trials in a single major study, to determine the efficacy of nutraceuticals in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis. A population of 638 dogs was used, from which 327 were treated with nutraceuticals and 321 were used as controls. A successful random effects model was adjusted (P<0.001), with a risk ratio of 0.62 within a 95% CI of [0.47; 0.81], favouring the use of nutraceuticals. The nutraceuticals used in the trials were green-lipped mussel, chondroitin sulphate, an extract of India and Java turmeric (P54FP), a homeopathic combination preparation known as Zeel®, Ω-3 fatty acids, deep sea fish oil, a mix of glucosamine with chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid, and cannabidiol.