Jennifer A. Barnhard BVetMed, MS, Ashley A. Tringali BS, Nina C. Caldwell BS, Kathryn R. Webb BS, David Levine PT, DPT, MPH, PhD, Arielle Pechette Markley DVM, DACVSMR, Abigail Shoben PhD, Megan M. Green DVM, and Matthew W. Brunke DVM, DACVSMR.
Contact co-author: Matt Brunke
E: drmattbrunke@gmail.com
Objective:
This study evaluates owner-reported safety and efficacy of 2.5% Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (2.5% iPAAG®) intra-articular injections in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods:
An anonymous survey was distributed between November 2023 and April 2024. Email invitations were sent to 191 owners whose dogs were treated with 2.5% iPAAG®.
The survey assessed owner-reported outcomes regarding perceived efficacy, tolerability, and changes in the use of adjunctive therapies following treatment.
Results:
Surveys were completed by 100 owners (52% response rate), reporting on 150 injections across 100 dogs, including 46 dogs treated in multiple joints.
The most frequently treated joints were the elbows (n = 79), hips (28), and shoulders (21). 82% (82 of 100) of owners rated their dog as “somewhat better” or “much better” on a 5-point Likert scale, indicating a positive treatment response.
Among dogs receiving analgesic pharmaceuticals at the time of injection (n = 80), 44% (35 of 80) reduced or discontinued the pharmaceuticals after treatment. Of the 49 dogs receiving additional therapies, 47% (23 of 49) discontinued ≥ 1 intervention after treatment.
Mild and self-limiting adverse events were reported in 10% (10 of 100) of dogs, with injection site soreness being the most common.
90% (90 of 100) of owners indicated they would consider repeating the treatment if recommended by their veterinarian.
Conclusion:
2.5% iPAAG® injections are generally effective and well-tolerated for managing canine OA, providing significant symptom relief and reducing reliance on other pain medications and therapies.
The treatment has shown versatility in being used successfully across various joint types and combinations.
Further research is recommended to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.
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