A blinded, placebo-controlled study on the clinical effects of vitamin E supplementation in dogs with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E has a positive effect in the management of osteoarthritis in humans, and in a previous study of dogs. It has been suggested to decrease C-reactive protein concentrations and liver enzyme activities in humans and animals. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vitamin E supplementation on lameness, pain, pain medication requirement, clinical pathology variables, and quality of life in large-breed dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: Fifty-seven client-owned dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. METHODS: Dogs received either vitamin E or placebo for 90 days in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, prospective clinical trial. Clinical lameness scores, pain medication requirements, and owner questionnaires were used to assess response to treatment every 30 days. Blood samples were collected at enrollment and at the end of the study period. RESULTS: Vitamin E administration did not improve pain, lameness, or quality of life as assessed by owners and veterinarians. Vitamin E supplementation did not decrease the requirement for rescue pain relief. No changes in clinical pathology variables were observed after 90 days of vitamin E supplementation. Body weight was negatively associated with the lameness scores and requirement for rescue pain relief. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E supplementation did not have any observable positive effects in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.

Biceps brachii and brachialis tendon of insertion injuries in eleven racing greyhounds.

OBJECTIVE: To report injuries of the biceps brachii (BTI) or brachialis (BrTI) tendons of insertion in 11 racing Greyhounds. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Greyhounds (n=11). METHODS: Medical records (1990-2006) of racing Greyhound dogs with BTI injuries were reviewed. Preinjury, injury, and posttreatment information was obtained via trainer telephone questionnaire and individual greyhound race data. Outcomes between surgical and conservative management were compared. RESULTS: Dogs had elbow hyperextension, positive biceps test, and forelimb circumduction and 82% were male, whereas Queensland's male to female ratio of racing Greyhounds was almost equal. Eight dogs had right BTI injuries. Nine dogs had surgically confirmed tendon injuries: 5 combined BTI and BrTI, 2 mid-body BTI, 1 musculotendinous BTI, and 1 ulnar tuberosity avulsion fracture. Seven dogs were treated surgically (3 loop pulley sutures, single radial screw and washer, suture screws or fracture fixation in lag fashion), 2 dogs were euthanatized at surgery, 2 were rehomed and hence managed conservatively. All surgically treated dogs returned to near preinjury performance; 6 returned to racing and at least 4 won races in the same or higher grade. One conservatively managed dog returned to "pet" function. No dog reinjured its BTI or BrTI. CONCLUSION: BTI and BrTI avulsions are rare acute traumatic performance injuries of racing Greyhounds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preinjury racing performance can be achieved with early surgical repair of BTI and BrTI and optimal postoperative management.