Evaluation of different substance combinations in a multiple-session mesotherapy protocol for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of different substance combinations administered through mesotherapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 104 dogs. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 4 groups (dogs treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside [MG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and Traumeel [TG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and glucosamine [GG]; and dogs treated with the same combination as in MG combined with a photobiomodulation session [MPG]) were set. For all groups, the same treatment frequency was followed. Response to treatment was measured with the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score and pain severity score), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) before treatment and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of treatment, age, sex, body weight, breed, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals score. RESULTS: Dogs had a mean age of 7.6 ± 3.1 years and body weight of 28.6 ± 5.5 kg. Hip osteoarthritis was classified as mild (4), moderate (70), or severe (30). Greater improvements were observed in MG and MPG. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed MG and MPG had longer periods with clinically significant results. Treatment was the covariable that contributed more frequently to the outcomes observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination used in MG, particularly combined with photobiomodulation, produced longer-lasting clinically significant results.

Faecal microbiome transplantation improves clinical signs of chronic idiopathic large bowel diarrhoea in working dogs.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhoea is a common clinical sign in dogs with chronic enteropathy, and psyllium husk has been shown to improve clinical signs in affected dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether faecal microbiome transplant has a similar effect in alleviating clinical signs in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea. METHOD: Thirty large-breed working dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea were divided into a psyllium group (PG) and a faecal microbiome transplant group (FMTG). To the PG, 16 g/day of psyllium husk was administered for 30 days. The FMTG received faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) once via enema. A daily log of faecal characteristics was kept, and the dogs' canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were determined. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare group results. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier test was used to evaluate the occurrence rate of 1 day or more of diarrhoea and 2 days or more of diarrhoea by day 30. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 3.9 ± 2.1 years and a bodyweight of 25.3 ± 6.8 kg. The FMTG showed a more rapid onset of CIBDAI improvement but no difference in other measures. At 30 days, the FMTG showed a greater improvement in bodyweight and BCS, but no differences were observed in faecal scores, defaecation frequency and time of appearance of episodes of diarrhoea. Time played a significant positive role in the results observed across both groups (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study did not compare the microbiomes of the dogs before and after treatment, so the role of specific types of bacteria cannot be determined. CONCLUSION: Psyllium husk and FMT had similar effects in improving clinical signs of chronic large bowel diarrhoea.

Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the Portuguese Version of the Canine Orthopedic Index.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform the initial psychometric evaluation of the Portuguese version of the Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI). STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective, randomized study, a group of 50 police working dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis was assessed. A copy of the translated Portuguese version of the COI was completed by canine handlers, native Portuguese speakers. This result was compared with that of 50 sound dogs. Construct validity was determined by comparing sound dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis scores with the Mann-Whitney test. Additionally, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olin measure of sampling adequacy, eigenvalue, and scree-plot analysis were performed. Internal consistency was tested with Cronbach's α. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between osteoarthritis and sound dogs in all dimensions of the COI (p < 0.01 for all), indicating construct validity. Two factors accounted for 87.8% of the total variance. Cronbach's α was 0.98, with a high interitem correlation, accounting for strong internal consistency. CONCLUSION: We presented criterion and construct validity of the Portuguese version of the COI. It is a step in providing clinicians with a validated and accessible tool to evaluate orthopaedic patients. Further studies are required.

Initial psychometric evaluation of the Portuguese version of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the initial psychometric evaluation of the Portuguese version of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI). ANIMALS: A total of 100 dogs, 50 with bilateral hip osteoarthritis and 50 unaffected dogs. PROCEDURES: The 2 groups of dogs were assessed using the CBPI. The English version of the CBPI (divided into a pain severity score and a pain interference score) was translated into Portuguese, and a copy of the translated version was completed by native Portuguese speakers' canine handlers. The results from the 2 groups were compared, and psychometric properties were evaluated. Construct validity was evaluated by assessing differences between animals with osteoarthritis and unaffected animals with the Mann-Whitney test. Further evaluation was performed with the Kaiser-Meyer-Olin measure of sampling adequacy, Eigenvalue, and scree-plot analysis. Internal consistency was tested with Cronbach α. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between dogs with osteoarthritis and unaffected dogs in pain severity and pain interference scores (P < .01 for both), one indication of construct validity. Cronbach α was 0.99, and a high interitem correlation was observed, showing strong internal consistency. One factor accounted for 92.3% of the total variance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We presented the initial validation of the Portuguese version of the CBPI and its validity in the Portuguese language. It is an essential step in providing a valid tool for clinicians to assess pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to determine if the present results can be replicated across samples with different characteristics and evaluate response to treatment.

A multiple-session mesotherapy protocol for the management of hip osteoarthritis in police working dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of a mesotherapy protocol in dogs with osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 30 dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were randomly assigned to a control (CG; n = 10) or a mesotherapy group (MG; 20). CG received meloxicam for 70 days. MG was treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside, injected in intradermal points. Seven treatment sessions were conducted. Response to treatment was measured with different instruments: the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into Pain Interference Score [PIS] and Pain Severity Score [PSS]), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI; divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life), at time 0 (T0), +15 days, +30 days, +60 days, and +90 days after T0. At each time point, the results of the 2 groups with each instrument were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P < .05. Kaplan-Meier estimators were compared with the Breslow test. RESULTS: Dogs had a mean age of 6.9 ± 2.7 years and a body weight of 31.0 ± 6.4 kg. Hip osteoarthritis was classified as mild (n = 9), moderate (17), or severe (4). No differences were found at T0. Better results were observed in MG at +15 days (P < .01 for PSS and PIS, P = .03 for function), +30 days (P = .01 for PIS and LOAD, P = .03 for PSS, and P = .04 for function, gait, and COI), +60 days (P < .01 for PSS and PIS, P = .01 for LOAD, and P = .02 for function), and +90 days (P = .01 for PSS and PIS, P = .03 for LOAD, and P = .04 for function). Kaplan-Meier estimators showed MG had longer periods with better results than CG in various scores. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This mesotherapy protocol reduced pain scores and other clinical metrology instrument scores lasting for longer periods.

Evaluation of Four Clinical Metrology Instruments for the Assessment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most commonly diagnosed joint disease in companion animals, and proper tools are necessary to assess patients and response to treatment. We aimed to perform the psychometric evaluation of several clinical metrology instruments (CMI), developed to evaluate pain and assess outcome. Fifty police working dogs with bilateral hip OA were assessed in a prospective, randomised, double-blinded study. Patients were evaluated using a stance analyser in six different moments divided over a 180-day period. Pedometer step count, weight-bearing symmetry index and deviation from normal weight-bearing were calculated and used for criterion validity. In each evaluation moment, a copy of the Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS), Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI) were completed by the dogs' handlers. Correlations between CMIs were evaluated as construct validity. Further evaluation was performed with the Kaiser-Meyer-Olin measure of sampling adequacy, Eigenvalue and scree-plot analysis. Internal consistency was tested with Cronbach's α. Significant weak correlation was found between all CMIs and stance analysis symmetry index measure and deviation, indicating criterion validity. Significant weak correlation was also found between pedometer count and LOAD plus COI. Cronbach's α was 0.80 for HVAS, 0.98 for CBPI, 0.97 for LOAD and 0.98 for COI. Significant strong correlation was observed between CMIs, indicating construct validity. We present criterion and construct validity of these CMIs, which are able to capture various dimensions of OA. They can be used for the evaluation of osteoarthritis and response to treatment in dogs.

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 20 dogs. PROCEDURES: Forty joints were assigned to a control group (CG; n = 20) or treatment group (photobiomodulation therapy [PBMT]; 20). CG received a 21-day course of meloxicam, and PBMT received treatment with a Class IV therapeutic laser over 3 weeks. Joint range of motion, thigh girth, the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score [PIS] and pain severity score [PSS]), Hudson Visual Analogue Scale, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs, and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI; divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) were evaluated before treatment, +8, +15, +30, +60, and +90 days after initial treatment. Results were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA or Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P < 0.05. Kaplan-Meier estimators were compared with the Breslow test. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 8.3 ± 1.9 years and body weight of 65.7 ± 12.1lb. Osteoarthritis was classified as moderate (n = 26) and severe (14). No differences were found at time 0. Better results were observed in PBMT at +8 days (P = 0.01 for PSS, P = 0.04 for function and COI), +15 days (P = 0.01 for PSS and function, P = 0.02 for PIS and function, P = 0.03 for COI and P = 0.04 for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs [LOAD]) and +30 days (P = 0.01 for function and gait, P = 0.02 for COI, and P = 0.04 for PIS, PSS, and LOAD). Joint range of motion improved in PBMT from +15 to 90 days. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed that PBMT produced longer periods with better results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PBMT reduced pain levels and improved clinical findings in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.

Multiple session mesotherapy for management of coxofemoral osteoarthritis pain in 10 working dogs: A case series.

The aim of this study was to document the effects of mesotherapy in working dogs diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and related pain. Ten police working dogs with hip OA and related pain were treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside, injected in multiple intradermal points. Seven treatment sessions were conducted. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS) were used in the assessment of response to treatment compared to evaluation before treatment (T0), after 15 d, 30 d, 60 d, 90 d, 120 d, 150 d, and 180 d after initial treatment. Results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significant differences were experienced in CBPI scores comparing moments with T0: at 15 d (P = 0.03 for Pain Interference Score - PIS) and P = 0.02 for Pain Severity Score - PSS), 30 d (P < 0.05 for PIS and P < 0.05 for PSS), 60 d (P = 0.04 for PIS and P = 0.01 for PSS) and 180 d (P = 0.04 for PSS). Individual treatment results were considered successful in 40% of animals at 15 d and 30 d, 66.7% at 60 d, 44% at 90 d, 37.5% at 120 d, and 25% at 150 d. The HVAS scores showed no significant differences. Mesotherapy may be an option for the treatment of canine musculoskeletal-related pain. Further studies are required.

Mésothérapie en plusieurs séances pour la prise en charge de la douleur arthrosique coxofémorale chez 10 chiens de travail : une série de cas. Le but de cette étude était de documenter les effets de la mésothérapie chez les chiens de travail diagnostiqués avec une arthrose de la hanche (OA) et des douleurs associées. Dix chiens de travail policiers souffrant d'OA et de douleurs associées ont été traités avec une combinaison de lidocaïne, de piroxicam et de thiocolchicoside, injectée en plusieurs points intradermiques. Sept séances de traitement ont été réalisées. Le Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) et l'échelle visuelle analogique de Hudson (HVAS) ont été utilisés dans l'évaluation de la réponse au traitement par rapport à l'évaluation avant traitement (T0), après 15 j, 30 j, 60 j, 90 j, 120 j, 150 j et 180 j après le traitement initial. Les résultats ont été comparés à l'aide du test des rangs signés de Wilcoxon. Des différences significatives ont été observées dans les scores CBPI comparant les moments avec T0 : à 15 jours (P = 0,03 pour Pain Interference Score ­ PIS) et P = 0,02 pour Pain Severity Score ­ PSS), 30 jours (P < 0,05 pour PIS et P < 0,05 pour PSS), 60 jours (P = 0,04 pour PIS et P = 0,01 pour PSS) et 180 jours (P = 0,04 pour PSS). Les résultats du traitement individuel ont été considérés comme réussis chez 40 % des animaux à 15 jours et 30 jours, 66,7 % à 60 jours, 44 % à 90 jours, 37,5 % à 120 jours et 25 % à 150 jours. Les scores HVAS n'ont montré aucune différence significative. La mésothérapie peut être une option pour le traitement des douleurs musculosquelettiques canines. Des études complémentaires sont nécessaires.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Correction: The intra-articular administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Its effects in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245553.].

The intra-articular administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Its effects in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an intra-articular (IA) administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide, compared with saline. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to a treatment group (THG, n = 20, receiving IA triamcinolone hexacetonide) and a control group (CG, n = 20, receiving IA saline). On treatment day (T0), and at 8, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days post-treatment, weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, radiographic signs, synovial fluid interleukin-1 and C-reactive protein levels were evaluated. Data from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, Paired Samples T-Test or Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. A Kaplan-Meier test was performed to compare both groups, with p<0.05. RESULTS: Joints were graded as mild (65%), moderate (20%) and severe (15%). Patients of both sexes, with a mean age of 6.5±2.4 years and bodyweight of 26.7±5.2kg, were included. No differences were found between groups at T0. Comparing THG to CG, weight distribution showed significant improvements in THG from 8 (p = 0.05) up to 90 days (p = 0.01). THG showed lower values during thermographic evaluation in the Lt view (p<0.01). Pain and function scores also improved from 30 to 180 days. Increasing body weight, age, and presence of caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte corresponded to worse response to treatment. Results of the Kaplan Meier test showed significant differences between groups, with THG performing better considering several evaluations and scores. CONCLUSION: THG recorded significant improvements in weight-bearing and in with the considered CMIs, particularly pain scores. Lower thermographic values were registered in THG up to the last evaluation day. Age, sex, and radiographic findings did significantly influenced response to treatment.

A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Single Intra-Articular Administration of Triamcinolone Acetonide, Hyaluronan, and a Combination of Both for Clinical Management of Osteoarthritis in Police Working Dogs.

Objectives: To describe and compare the use and effectiveness of a single intra-articular injection (IA) of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), hyaluronan (HA), and a combination of both (TA+HA) in police working dogs with natural occurring hip osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Sample Population: Thirty animals with naturally occurring hip OA. Methods: Animals were randomly divided in three groups: GT, treated with 20 mg of TA per hip joint; GH, treated with treated 20 mg of HA per hip joint; and GTH, treated with a combination of 20 mg of TA and 20 mg of HA per hip joint. Response to treatment, measured by the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided in Pain Interference Score-PIS and Pain Severity Score-PSS) and the Hudson Visual Analog Scale (HVAS), was evaluated in seven different time points: T0 (before treatment), T1 (after 15 days), T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 (after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months, respectively). Results were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test or a Wilcoxon signed ranks test, and p < 0.05 was set. Results: Comparing results of the different time points considered with T0, significant differences were registered in GH at T1 for HVAS (p = 0.03) and PIS (p = 0.04); and in GTH at T1 (p = 0.05 for HVAS and p < 0.05 for PIS), T2 (p < 0.04 for PIS), T3 (p < 0.03 for HVAS and p = 0.05 for PIS), T4 (p < 0.03 for HVAS and p < 0.05), and T5 (p < 0.05 for HVAS). No significant differences were found between groups when comparing scores in each time point. Individual treatment is considered successful with a reduction of ≥1 for PSS or ≥2 for PIS. In GTH, treatment was successful in four animals between T1 and T5 (40%, n = 10) and three at T6-T7 (30%, n = 10) for PSS and three animals of GTH at T1 (30%), two at T2 (20%), three between T3 and T4 (30%), and two between T5 and T7 (20%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study provides direct information on the use of these treatment modalities in patients with hip OA. Intra-articular injection with TA and HA may be a treatment option for dogs with naturally occurring OA, particularly when simultaneously used, as they provide significant improvements of PIS and HVAS scores. Individual scores improved in some animals with PIS, PSS, and HVAS.

A protocol for the determination of the maximal lactate steady state in working dogs.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe a test protocol for the determination of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in dogs. METHODS: Ten animals were submitted to a variable number of sessions (3 to 5), with a duration of 30 minutes each. Every session started with a warm-up period of 10 minutes at 7 km/h, at a 0% inclination. The treadmill was then set at a 5% inclination and at a constant speed, maintained for 20 m. In subsequent sessions, speed was increased or decreased 0.5 km/h. Blood samples were collected, and blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and glycaemia were determined at rest (T0), after the warm-up (T1) and every 5 minutes until the end of the test (T2-T5). RESULTS: Significant variations were observed in BL, HR and RT, when comparing values at rest and T1 with those at the MLSS level (P<0.01). Mean speed at MLSS was 14.6±1.47 km/h and BL was 2.7±0.45 mmol/L, a value below 4 mmol/L. A correlation between BL at MLSS and the visual lactate threshold was observed (0.87). A strong agreement between blood lactate levels at the MLSS level and LTv was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present results consist, to the authors' knowledge, in the first description of a protocol to determine the MLSS in dogs. It provides information for exercise monitoring and training planning.

Intra-articular Injections With Either Triamcinolone Hexacetonide, Stanozolol, Hylan G-F 20, or a Platelet Concentrate Improve Clinical Signs in Police Working Dogs With Bilateral Hip Osteoarthritis.

Objectives: To compare the effect of intra-articular treatment with triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH), stanozolol, hyaluronan, and a platelet concentrate in police working dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal, double-blinded, negative controlled study. Sample Population: Fifty police working dogs with naturally occurring hip OA. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 10), TH group (THG, n = 10), platelet concentrate group (PCG, n = 10), stanozolol group (SG, n = 10), and Hylan G-F 20 group (HG). On days 0 (T0), 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment, weight-bearing distribution was evaluated. In those days, and on days 60, 120, and 150, four clinical metrology instruments were completed. Kaplan-Meier estimators were conducted and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine treatment survival. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. At T0, hips were classified as mild (n = 35), moderate (n = 10), and severe (n = 5), according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals grading scheme. No differences were found between groups at that moment considering age, body weight, OFA hip score, and all assessments performed. All treatments improved clinical signs in various OA dimensions in some groups, with a broad effect interval. PCG showed a lower range of variation while maintaining a positive result for more extended periods (p < 0.01 for symmetry index and 0.01 < p < 0.04 in the majority of scores). Breed, age, sex, and OFA grade did not significantly influence response to treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This is the first prospective, negative controlled, double-blinded study to compare the effect of a single administration of these IA treatments in dogs with hip OA. HG and PCG recorded more significant improvements throughout the 180-day follow-up. In particular, PCG also registered a lower variation in results, seemingly the best therapeutic option. Nevertheless, improvements were still observed in THG and SG, and these treatment options can be considered, mainly when the first two treatments are not available.

Dengue virus type 3 isolation from Aedes aegypti in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, State of Rio de Janeiro.

In a prospective field study conducted from July 2000 to June 2001, adult Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were caught from the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Virus isolation in Ae. albopictus clone C6/36 cell line and a semi-nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected only dengue virus type 3 in three pools of Ae. aegypti, despite the co-circulation of DEN-1, DEN-2 and DEN-3 serotypes in that area. No viruses were detected in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. This virological surveillance consists in a sentinel system alerting for dengue outbreaks.

Dengue virus type 3 isolation from Aedes aegypti in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, State of Rio de Janeiro

In a prospective field study conducted from July 2000 to June 2001, adult Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were caught from the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Virus isolation in Ae. albopictus clone C6/36 cell line and a semi-nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected only dengue virus type 3 in three pools of Ae. aegypti, despite the co-circulation of DEN-1, DEN-2 and DEN-3 serotypes in that area. No viruses were detected in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. This virological surveillance consists in a sentinel system alerting for dengue outbreaks