Arthramid for
Canine

Arthramid is supplied in a pre-filled 1mL syringe sealed via a Luer lock fitting.

Arthramid should be administered via a sterile 20-23g needle using aseptic injection technique protocols to prevent contamination of the injection site.

The dose injected into a joint is at the discretion of the veterinarian and may vary depending on the volume of the joint and/or the severity or duration of the disease.

Large Joint
Shoulder, elbow, hip or stifle
1.0 to 2.0 mL

Medium Joint
Carpus or Tarsus
0.5 to 1.0 mL

Small Joint
Inter-phalangeal joint
0.25 to 0.5 mL

48 HOURS OF REST
As with any intra-articular injections, 48 hours of rest is advised. Occasionally, some dogs may experience local pain and/or mild edema at the injection site. NSAIDs and ice can be used to manage any discomfort. This is a transient response and should resolve within 2-3 days.

WEEKS CONTROLLED EXERCISE

Remembering the structural mechanism of action, it is important to maintain calm, controlled exercise during the initial product integration period. Leash walks, gradually increasing in length, are permitted. Rough play, running, and jumping should be avoided.

CONTINUE REHAB
Patients currently receiving rehabilitation or physiotherapy should continue their program. However, avoiding additional strain on treated joints is still advised for at least 2 weeks following treatment.

CONCURRENT REHAB MODALITIES
Based on currently available data, we do not recommend the use of shockwave therapy on the treated joint for a period of 6 weeks post injection. Neither do we recommend the use of laser therapy on or over the treated joint for a period of 2 weeks.

RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY
“Normal activity level” will vary for each patient. It is important to consider each patient’s baseline activity level prior to treatment. Overexertion and low fitness can lead to secondary injury. Age, weight, and severity of disease may all impact patient’s return to increased activity.

RECHECKS AND REINJECTION
Rechecks are recommended at 6 to 8 weeks post-treatment. While a single treatment is often adequate, a small number of cases may benefit from a top-up dose. In cases that have not responded, it is important to reassess the accuracy of the diagnosis

In the United States, Osteoarthritis (OA) is estimated to impact nearly 40% of all dogs. While commonly associated with older dogs, research indicates 20% of dogs as young as one year old can suffer from this debilitating disease. While damage to the articular cartilage is a classic indicator of advanced OA, synovitis is becoming more widely recognized as the key driver for the pain and inflammation associated with OA.

Typical signs of OA in dogs include:

• Stiffness, especially after resting or in the morning
• Difficulty rising, climbing stairs, or jumping onto furniture or into the car
• Lameness or limping
• Reduced willingness to play or exercise
• Changes in behavior, such as irritability or withdrawal
• Visible discomfort or signs of pain when touched or during movement

Recognizing these signs early is crucial for effective management.

An accurate diagnosis of OA begins with a thorough and comprehensive physical and orthopedic exam. Pet owners may consider taking videos of their pet(s) at home to capture “normal” examples of day-to-day activity and signs of pain.

Additional modalities to consider for more accurate diagnosis include:

• Radiography
• Ultrasound
• CT, MRI, or other advanced imaging
• Arthroscopy

Cases suitable for Arthramid treatment are those in which synovitis or OA has been diagnosed and localized to a specific synovial joint(s). It is essential to rule out any other underlying cause of lameness including fragmentation, fractures, systemic disease or other unknown factors such as local or systemic infection. Once these pathologies are resolved, treatment is appropriate.

Synovial inflammation (synovitis) causes synovial fluid to become less viscous and of poor quality. Inflammatory mediators, when present in the synovial fluid, result in a chronic state of synovitis and capsulitis. If left untreated, this will damage the articular cartilage and progress to irreversible OA over time. Synovitis is widely recognized as the primary source of the pain and inflammation of OA.

Chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis may impact several aspects of a dog’s life simultaneously, including gait and movement, sleep, cognitive abilities, and relations, both to their human family and other pets.

Arthramid is a 2.5% injectable polayacrylamide hydrogel that acts as a dynamic tissue scaffold supporting the body’s natural immune response. After intra-articular injection, Arthramid adheres to the synovial lining, allowing the synovial tissue to grow into and through the hydrogel. Because macrophages are unable to phagocytose Arthramid, the hydrogel persists in the synovial membrane.

CELLULAR INFILTRATION & SCAFFOLDING
Acting as a scaffold, Arthramid integrates into the synovial membrane, restoring its function through improved mechanical properties, which in turn reduces inflammation and promotes joint health. A healthy synovial membrane provides benefits to the structure and function of the joint.

In many cases, improvements in joint capsule stability, synovial fluid composition, and slowing of the OA progression can be observed in response to Arthramid injection. A healthy synovium provides lubrication, nourishment and immune cells that protect the joint against infection, remove inflammatory mediators, and re-establish joint function.

LASTING, STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
Two weeks after the injection, Arthramid is fully integrated into the synovium, providing long-lasting restorative benefit to the synovial membrane. Restoration of synovial health by Arthramid, reduces pain and inflammation, which helps reestablish joint function and homeostasis.

Arthramid is a biocompatible, non-resorbable hydrogel that has been used extensively in multiple species, including dogs and horses. It has a low incidence of adverse events, with most reactions being mild and transient. The product induces a low-grade, macrophage-driven response that responds well to anti-inflammatory treatment.

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