Abstract
Objectives To use a retrospective case series to investigate how intra-articular 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) had been used by veterinary surgeons in the management of canine joint disease, measure its perceived effectiveness in reducing lameness and to record the incidence of adverse events.
Methods
Vets in practice were asked to collate data on dogs treated with 2.5% PAAG by extracting information from the clinical records. A questionnaire was also sent to owners. Data were collected for 166 dogs treated at three UK practices.
Results
A range of breeds and ages of dogs were treated with 2.5% PAAG. The mean age of dogs treated was 9.7 years. The most common reasons for treatment included osteoarthritis and elbow dysplasia. A reduction in lameness was seen from one month post PAAG treatment and maintained to at least six months in 71.7% of dogs. It was possible to reduce or stop systemic analgesics in case management in 67.4% of dogs. Up to 72.8% of owners were extremely pleased or pleased with the outcome of PAAG. Up to 86.4% of owners saw improvements in quality of life in their dogs with 2.5% PAAG. Up to 81.9% of owners were extremely likely or likely to recommend 2.5% PAAG to other dog owners. The safety of the treatment was good, with two of the practices reporting no adverse events, and one practice reporting adverse events in 6.5% of treated dogs.
Clinical significance
Intra-articular 2.5% PAAG is safe and well-tolerated in dogs with OA and reduced lameness from one month post treatment in 85.5% of dogs and this was maintained to 6 months in 71.7% of dogs in this retrospective study. It is an exciting prospect for the management of canine OA and deserves further investigation.
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