Introduction

NSAIDs remains a gold standard for treatment of canine osteoarthritis. PCSO-524, a marine based fatty acid compound, is an alternative treatment. However, the benefits of this agent are still debated.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness between PCSO-524 and NSAIDs by force plate gait analysis in canine osteoarthritis.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, single blinded study was conducted. Thirty dogs with hip or stifle osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into 3 treatment groups; PCSO-524, NSAIDs and a combination between NSAIDs and PCSO-524 (NSAIDs-PCSO). Each group received the therapeutic agent orally for 4 weeks. Peak vertical force (PVF), hematology and blood chemistry values were evaluated at prior to treatment, the 2nd and the 4th week post-treatment.

Results

Between group comparisons using repeated measurement demonstrated indifferences of PVF, hematology and blood chemistry values. Interestingly, within group analyses revealed the PVF at prior to treatment and the end of study being significantly increased in all groups (p < 0.05). The changes of PVF were; 3.88 ± 1.35, 4.23 ± 0.74, 5.36 ± 0.94% BW, in PCSO-524, NSAIDs and NSAIDs-PCSO groups, respectively. The BUN value in NSAIDs group tended to increase when compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). However, all BUN values were within normal limit.

Conclusions

Even though the increased PVF were demonstrated in all treatment groups, the highest change was significantly demonstrated in the combination between NSAIDs and PCSO-524 group. This may imply beneficial effects of PCSO-524 in combination with NSAIDs. Long term aggregated data with a higher dosage should be further explored.