Vol. 13, Issue 9 (2024)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease in dogs, causing pain and reduced mobility. Carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is often used to manage symptoms, but the potential benefits of adding nutraceuticals like Flexirun, containing glucosamine and chondroitin, need further study.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of carprofen alone versus a combination of carprofen and Flexirun in managing osteoarthritis in dogs, as measured by the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) index.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen dogs with confirmed OA were divided into two groups of eight. Group I received carprofen (2 mg/kg, twice daily) for 30 days. Group II received the same carprofen dose for 30 days, followed by Flexirun (½ or 1 tablet daily) for the next 30 days. LOAD scores were recorded at five time points: day 0 (T₀), day 15 (T₁₅), day 30 (T₃₀), day 45 (T₄₅), and day 60 (T₆₀). Statistical analysis was used to compare results between and within groups.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements by day 15, with the group receiving the combined treatment of carprofen and Flexirun showing better early symptom relief. Continued improvements were observed by day 30, with the combined treatment group consistently outperforming the carprofen alone group. After discontinuing carprofen on day 30, the carprofen alone group experienced a relapse of symptoms, while the Flexirun group maintained its improvement by day 45. By day 60, the carprofen alone group had nearly returned to its initial condition, while the combined treatment group exhibited sustained symptom relief.

Conclusion: Carprofen alone reduced osteoarthritis symptoms initially, but the combination of carprofen and Flexirun provided better and longer-lasting relief. Combining nutraceuticals with NSAIDs may be more effective for managing osteoarthritis in dogs over the long term.