Positive Health Online

Abstract

ANDERSON and colleagues, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104 USA researched the clinical efficacy and safety of an oral nutraceutical for the treatment of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in small animals.

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a mail survey of 3080 practitioners, to which the overall response rate was 82%, and of which 64% reported they were recommending the oral nutraceutical to their clients.

Results

There was a high variability reported between severity of DJD and response to treatment. 68% of practitioners reported lame dogs older than 5 years to be the most responsive to treatment. Most practitioners (83%) believed that the response to treatment with the studied product occurred within 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy of the product was rated by practitioners as either good or excellent regarding improving mobility, alleviating pain and improving attitude in the majority of the treated animals. No practitioner reported a worsening of pain, mobility or attitude. Self-reported adverse effects were 2%, of which the most common was gastrointestinal upset.

Conclusion

The results from this survey suggested that perceived clinical efficacy of the nutraceutical for treatment of DJD was regarded as good or excellent by most practitioners using this product, and that the product was considered to be safe with minimal side effects. Future clinical trials are planned.

References

Anderson MA et al. Results of a survey of small-animal practitioners on the perceived clinical efficacy and safety of an oral nutraceutical. Prev Vet Med 38(1): 65-73. Jan 1 1999.