The Ohio State University is looking for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis for a study of a potential new treatment for the painful joint disease.

According to a news release from the university's College of Veterinary Medicine, the treatment involves a novel method of up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines from whole blood, which produces an autologous protein solution (APS). 

The treatment has already shown significant reductions in lameness for equine osteoarthritis patients, but its effectiveness has not yet been tested on dogs with the disease, the university said.

Details of the study

The study will take approximately 12 weeks, with an additional follow-up survey at 24 weeks, the university said.

Following injections with the APS, researchers will evaluate any changes in dogs' lameness using the force plate test, questionnaires, physical examinations, blood analysis, and radiographs. Owners whose dogs were in the control group that received saline solution instead of the APS will be given the option of giving their dogs the APS after week 12.

Dog owners who successfully enroll their pets in the study will not have to pay for testing, sedation/anesthesia, or treatment, as the sponsor will cover the costs. They also will receive a $150 gift card upon the completion of set milestones. 

The university listed the following inclusion criteria for the study:

• Have radiographically confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis in either the stifle or elbow
• Demonstrate a dominantly unilateral load-bearing lameness referable to either the stifle or elbow joint
• Must cease use of all pain medications one week prior to appointment
• Weigh more than 11 kg
• Be between 1-12 years of age
• Be otherwise medically healthy

Dogs can be excluded based on the following exclusion criteria:

• Any joint injections within two months of enrollment
• Previous plysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan) by any route of injection within one month
• Surgery within three months on the affected or contralateral joint
• Previous systemic steroid administration within two months
• Bone-on-bone contact on radiograph 
• Intra-bone fragments or fracture in the stifle joint

More information

To learn more about this study, visit the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine website.