Integrated therapeutic strategies for managing canine hip osteoarthritis

Abstract

The present clinical study was conducted on 24 clinically and radiographically confirmed canine hip osteoarthritis cases. Dogs were divided into 4 groups (n=6) and treated with different protocols. Group 1 received pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) (3.3 mg/kg S/C for 4 weeks), oral nutraceuticals for 4 weeks, and carprofen (4 mg/kg PO for 7 days). Group 2 underwent physiotherapy alone for 4 weeks. Group 3 received a combination of PPS, nutraceuticals, and physiotherapy for 4 weeks. Group 4 was treated with femoral head and neck ostectomy followed by postoperative physiotherapy for 4 weeks. Hip osteoarthritis was most common in females (54.2%), dogs aged 6-10 years (62.5%), Labrador Retrievers (62.5%), dogs weighing 31-40 kg (50%), those with a body condition score of 7 (37.5%), and bilateral hip involvement (79.17%). Clinical assessment included radiographic evaluation, pain on palpation, joint motion, weight bearing during standing, and lameness during walking on day 0 and day 28. Scores were highest at presentation but significantly improved after treatment in all groups. The greatest improvement occurred in the combined medicinal and physiotherapy group, followed by the surgical group, medicinal only group, and physiotherapy only group. The marked improvement in the combined group highlights the therapeutic effectiveness of PPS, nutraceuticals, and physiotherapy in managing canine hip osteoarthritis. Dogs undergoing femoral head and neck ostectomy with postoperative physiotherapy showed satisfactory recovery and functional limb use. Medicinal therapy and physiotherapy alone also produced favourable outcomes, demonstrating their roles in reducing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life.