Abstract

Hip dysplasia is a widespread condition that can affect dogs of all ages. Hip dysplasia is caused by a subluxation in the hip joint. This leads to the development of osteoarthritis that causes inflammation and pain. At this sight, the efficacy of a supplement with Ovopet®, eggshell membrane, was evaluated together with its tolerability and safety. Forty client-owned medium sized arthritic dogs were treated daily for a period of 40 days with placebo or Ovopet®. Every ten days, the dogs were evaluated for functional limitation and joint mobility (hip functional scale), muscular atrophy and mobility range (extension-flexion rating). Dogs were also examined for blood analysis (inflammatory markers), and sonographies of the hip joint space were taken before and at the end of the study. Performances in daily life activities and vitality assessed by the owners were also recorded. Based on these observations, significant (p<0.05) reduction in muscular atrophy and improvement of mobility range was noted in Ovopet® treated group. Parameters such as as starting lameness, walking lameness, running and playing resistance and limitation to little jumps also experienced a significant (p<0.05) improvement. The parameters for function and positive behaviour description and pain sensation assessed by the owners showed a significant improvement (p<0.05) since day 20 of treatment. Based on recorded data, Ovopet® (15 mgKg-1dog) treatment provides a significant improvement, reducing the pain the dog has and therefore improving physical function.

Key words: Ovopet®, hip dysplasia, dogs, osteoarthritis, feed supplement, eggshell membrane.