Hi All we have had this posted on our forum, thought it might be usefull to some of you on here.

A new study by the University of Liverpool into treating osteoarthritis in dogs is in need of some willing participants.

Osteoarthritis, a debilitating disease of the joints leading to inflammation and gradual loss of cartilage, affects about 20% of dogs over the age of one. Osteoarthritis, which can result in severe pain and lameness, is incurable but can be managed through a combination of medication, altered nutrition and exercise.

Now veterinary scientists at the University of Liverpool are undertaking a large scale study to compare the effects of two common licensed treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs. The study needs dogs who are older than one year, weigh more than 10 kilos and have either been diagnosed with arthritis by their vet or whose owners believe they are suffering from arthritis. Signs that dogs might be suffering from osteoarthritis include stiffness or a limp after rest, reluctance to go for walks, or slowing down while on walks or a noticeable limp.

We need around 100 dogs for this study which will be examining the effectiveness of two well-known treatments for canine osteoarthritis. The dogs will take part for a twelve week period, and during this time medication will be dispensed at no charge to the owner. The dog will need to visit the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Leahurst on the Wirral four times during the twelve week period for an evaluation by an orthopaedic vet. The risk of side effects from the medication is low.

If you are interested in taking part in this study then please contact Ben Walton at the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst campus on 0151 795 6329 or by email ben.walton@liv.ac.uk.

www.liv.ac.uk/dog-arthritis

Wow, that's great Denise.

I hope this will help somebody.

...and can I just commend this very Liverpool University Small Animal Hospital for the wonderful treatment they give our Zeke, they are amazing, and he owes his very happy current life to them as we speak

Lets hope this is fruitful and helps so many dogs in the future.

Mika has an appt with them next week

Burnzy wrote:
Mika has an appt with them next week

Is that for this study Diane? Or something else? Zekey's in on Wednesday! They really are great there, good luck x

I emailed the link over to Di yesterday when Robert kindly forwarded it to me.

its to do with this programme, Di called me today and was telling me about it, so fingers crossed it helps Mika

Best of luck Mika.
I've only heard very good things about this place that's why I forwarded the info about the trial to people. I've had some links with Ben, the vet recruiting for the study. He seems a really nice person.
Please let us know how things go
Regards
Robert.Burnzy wrote:
Mika has an appt with them next week

I would love to try with Bruce, but, being realistic, we just wouldnt be able to make the appointments.....

Hi
I have emailed Ben. Our dog Star would benefit so much from help I'm sure. I will keep you up to date on any developments. Thank you so much for posting this on here. It may be just what he needs . He is 13 after all! Just hope I'm not too late looking at the date of original post

Post edited by: sanlyn, at: 2010/07/24 19:17

Hi guys, I posted on another thread.

Mika has had her first appt with Ben, and yes he's very nice. He sedated her and xrayed her and confirmed she has bad arthritis, she's 5 in November. But at least we now know and can deal with it.

She's been given Parvol tablets for 2 weeks and was fitted with a movement monitor on her collar, not so sure if everyone will be given Parvol, but as Mika wasnt on any medication he didnt want to leave her in pain. We go back in 2 weeks to start the actual study.

They are trialling Metacam a medicine which is given daily. And Trocoxil, a monthly tablet. Not sure what Mika will be on as its randomnly selected.

The initial visit is called the screening process to see if the dog would benefit from the study, if your dog already has arthritis and has an xray to show this they will contact your vets and get a copy, if not they will sedate the dog and take some blood and xrays.

Once they accept you to take part of the study you go back in 2 weeks and start the meds, they will measure the effectiveness in 3 ways.
Force platform, walking the dog on a 10m walkway which has a device under it which measures the force the dog puts through its legs.
Owner questionanairs
Activity montiors worn on the collar

As well as the screening process you are expected to go at the start of week 1, week 6 and week 12. There is no cost whatsoever for the pain relief or any xrays and bloods taken. The only thing you pay for is your petrol to and from the clinic.

My Uncle has enrolled his Irish Wolfhound and he goes sometime next week as well.

I'm so pleased Sarah let me know about it, and Robert.

I'll keep you upto date with her progress, but even on simple pain killers, not anti inflam drugs I think she's gettin to be a little happier

Post edited by: Burnzy, at: 2010/07/25 16:42