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Schmidt T, Meyerhoff N, Meller S, Twele F, Charalambous M, Berk BA, Law TH, Packer RMA, Zanghi B, Pan Y, Fischer A, Volk HA. Re-evaluating the placebo response in recent canine dietary epilepsy trials. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:224. [PMID: 38783265 PMCID: PMC11119301 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The placebo response is a common phenomenon. Limited evidence is available about its magnitude in canine epilepsy trials, even though it can significantly influence the efficacy evaluation of new treatments. It was hypothesised that the placebo response is diminished when epilepsy trials are conducted in a prospective crossover design. Seizure data spanning six months from three previous multicenter epilepsy studies were analysed. The monthly seizure frequency of 60 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy was calculated, comparing baseline data with placebo treatment. Furthermore, differentiation was made between dogs randomised to the placebo group early (Phase 1: first 3 months) or later during the study (Phase 2: second 3 months).The analysis did not reveal any placebo response in terms of monthly seizure frequency. Instead, an increase was noted during the placebo treatment period, with a mean of 2.95 seizures per month compared to 2.30 seizures per month before study entry (p = 0.0378). Additionally, a notable phase effect was observed. Dogs receiving the placebo in the second study phase exhibited a significant increase in monthly seizure frequency compared to baseline (p = 0.0036). Conversely, no significant difference from baseline was observed for dogs receiving the placebo in the first study phase. These findings underscore the considerable variability in placebo responses observed in trials for canine epilepsy, contrasting with previous limited data. The identified phase effect should be carefully considered in the design and evaluation of canine epilepsy trials to ensure a more accurate assessment of efficacy for new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Schmidt
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Meyerhoff
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Friederike Twele
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marios Charalambous
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin A Berk
- BrainCheck.Pet® - Tierärztliche Praxis für Epilepsie, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Tsz H Law
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Rowena M A Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Brian Zanghi
- Research and Development, Nestlé Purina PetCare, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuanlong Pan
- Research and Development, Nestlé Purina PetCare, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Taylor S, Gruen M, KuKanich K, X Lascelles BD, Monteiro BP, Sampietro LR, Robertson S, Steagall PV. 2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats. J Feline Med Surg 2024; 26:1098612X241241951. [PMID: 38587872 PMCID: PMC11103309 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x241241951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used and are effective for the management of pain in cats. These Guidelines will support veterinarians in decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain, to minimise adverse effects and optimise pain management. Information is provided on mechanism of action, indications for use, screening prior to prescription, use in the presence of comorbidities, monitoring of efficacy, and avoidance and management of adverse effects. CLINICAL CHALLENGES The cat's unique metabolism should be considered when prescribing any medications, including NSAIDs. Chronic pain may be challenging to detect in this species and comorbidities, particularly chronic kidney disease, are common in senior cats. Management of chronic pain may be complicated by prescription of other drugs with the potential for interactions with NSAIDs. EVIDENCE BASE These Guidelines have been created by a panel of experts brought together by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Information is based on the available literature, expert opinion and the panel members' experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Taylor
- Panel ChairInternational Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wi Itshire, UK
| | - Margaret Gruen
- Comparative Pain Research Laboratory; and Behavioural Medicine Service - Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, NC, USA
| | - Kate KuKanich
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, KS, USA
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program and Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre (CPREC), North Carolina State University, NC, USA
| | - Beatriz P Monteiro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universite de Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sheilah Robertson
- Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Lutz, FL, USA; and Courtesy Lecturer, Shelter Medicine Program, University of Florida, FL, USA
| | - Paulo V Steagall
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, SAR China; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universite de Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
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Norfolk M, Bielby J, Figueiredo Passos L, Reddon AR, Rendle M. Nutraceutical supplementation increases mobility in aged captive non-domesticated felids. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e3797. [PMID: 38379254 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are an increasing issue as the lifespan of captive animals increases. Extracts of green-lipped mussels have been linked to alleviation of MSDs in domestic carnivores. Understanding their efficacy in non-domestic felids could provide another tool to improve the welfare of aged individuals in collections. METHODS A within-subject study design quantified steps per minute in each of 18 cats of 13 species before and after the addition of a nutraceutical containing green-lipped mussel extract (Antinol) to their diets. The age structure of four commonly kept subspecies of non-domestic cats was quantified to provide a demographic context to the need for managing aged individuals. RESULTS Each of the 18 cats exhibited a higher number of steps per minute after the addition of Antinol to their diet. At the group level, a paired t-test showed that the step rate was significantly increased after the addition of Antinol to the diet. LIMITATIONS While our results showed a strong significant increase in step rate following Antinol supplementation, further studies that incorporate a placebo, more individuals and more detailed metrics of mobility would provide a more detailed evidence base for practitioners. CONCLUSION Nutraceuticals may yield benefits to aged individual felids, including species kept widely in European collections. Their use warrants further, detailed research in collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Norfolk
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jon Bielby
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Luiza Figueiredo Passos
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Adam R Reddon
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Rendle
- Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, Market Harborough, UK
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Delsart A, Otis C, Leung VSY, Labelle É, Moreau M, Frezier M, Drag M, Martel-Pelletier J, Pelletier JP, Troncy E. Concurrent Validation of MI-CAT(V), a Clinical Metrology Instrument for Veterinarians Assessing Osteoarthritis Pain in Cats, through Testing for Firocoxib Analgesic Efficacy in a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Blinded Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:711. [PMID: 38473097 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians face the lack of a rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and treatment-sensitive metrological instrument reflecting feline osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The Montreal Instrument for Cat Arthritis Testing, for Use by Veterinarians (MI-CAT(V)) has been refined in 4 sub-sections, and we proposed its concurrent validation. Cats naturally affected by OA (n = 32) were randomly distributed into 4 groups of firocoxib analgesic (Gr. A: 0.40; B: 0.25; C: 0.15, and P: 0.00 mg/kg bodyweight). They were assessed during Baseline, Treatment, and Recovery periods using MI-CAT(V) and objective outcomes (effort path, stairs assay compliance, and actimetry). The MI-CAT(V) total score correlated to the effort path and actimetry (RhoS = -0.501 to -0.453; p < 0.001), also being sensitive to treatment responsiveness. The pooled treatment group improved its total, gait, and body posture scores during Treatment compared to the Baseline, Recovery, and placebo group (p < 0.05). The MI-CAT(V) suggested a dose-(especially for Gr. B) and cluster-response. Cats in the moderate and severe MI-CAT(V) clusters responded to firocoxib with a remaining analgesic effect, while the mild cluster seemed less responsive and experienced a negative rebound effect. The MI-CAT(V) was validated for its OA pain severity discriminatory abilities and sensitivity to firocoxib treatment, providing a new perspective for individualized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliénor Delsart
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Colombe Otis
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Vivian S Y Leung
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Émilie Labelle
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Maxim Moreau
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Marilyn Frezier
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Marlene Drag
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Fulton, MO 65251, USA
| | - Johanne Martel-Pelletier
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Pelletier
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Eric Troncy
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
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Tate DE, Tanprasertsuk J, Jones RB, Maughan H, Chakrabarti A, Khafipour E, Norton SA, Shmalberg J, Honaker RW. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Impact of a Novel Probiotic and Nutraceutical Supplement on Pruritic Dermatitis and the Gut Microbiota in Privately Owned Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:453. [PMID: 38338095 PMCID: PMC10854619 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pruritic dermatitis (PD) is a common presentation of canine allergic skin diseases, with diversity in severity and treatment response due to complex etiopathogenesis. Evidence suggests the gut microbiota (GM) may contribute to the development of canine allergies. A 10-week double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated a novel probiotic and nutraceutical blend (PNB) on clinical signs of skin allergy, health measures, and the GM of privately owned self-reported pruritic dogs. A total of 105 dogs were enrolled, with 62 included in pruritus and health analysis and 50 in microbiome analysis. The PNB supported greater improvement of owner-assessed clinical signs of PD at week 2 than the placebo (PBO). More dogs that received the PNB shifted to normal pruritus (digital PVAS10-N: <2) by week 4, compared to week 7 for the PBO. While a placebo effect was identified, clinical differences were supported by changes in the GM. The PNB enriched three probiotic bacteria and reduced abundances of species associated with negative effects. The PBO group demonstrated increased abundances of pathogenic species and reduced abundances of several beneficial species. This trial supports the potential of the PNB as a supplemental intervention in the treatment of PD; however, further investigation is warranted, with stricter diagnostic criteria, disease biomarkers and direct veterinary examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon E. Tate
- NomNomNow Inc., Nashville, TN 37207, USA; (D.E.T.); (J.T.); (R.B.J.)
| | | | - Roshonda B. Jones
- NomNomNow Inc., Nashville, TN 37207, USA; (D.E.T.); (J.T.); (R.B.J.)
| | | | | | - Ehsan Khafipour
- Cargill Inc., Wayzata, MN 55391, USA; (A.C.); (E.K.); (S.A.N.)
| | | | - Justin Shmalberg
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ryan W. Honaker
- NomNomNow Inc., Nashville, TN 37207, USA; (D.E.T.); (J.T.); (R.B.J.)
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Clark N, Comerford E. An update on mobility assessment of dogs with musculoskeletal disease. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:599-610. [PMID: 37455329 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Mobility impairments associated with musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, affect approximately 200,000 dogs annually and pose a notable challenge to canine health and welfare. Osteoarthritis causes the remodelling of synovial joints, alongside inflammation and impaired mechanical function which can be extremely debilitating. Secondary osteoarthritis commonly affects dogs and can be exacerbated by previous joint abnormalities, such as patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Although musculoskeletal diseases can affect dogs of any age, the early subtle signs of gait abnormalities are perhaps missed by owners, thus, dogs may be in the latter stages of osteoarthritis progression when they are presented to veterinarians. Dogs showing subtle signs of gait abnormalities must be presented to veterinary practices for acute diagnosis to prevent long-term deterioration. Musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, are commonly diagnosed via visible radiographic changes. However, veterinarians can use a combination of subjective and objective clinical scoring systems, such as clinical metrology instruments and gait assessment in conjunction with radiography to aid their diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of musculoskeletal diseases. These scoring systems may be more sensitive to earlier signs of mobility impairments in dogs, ultimately, promoting increased canine health and welfare by enabling pain reduction, improvement of muscle strength and preservation of joint function. Current canine mobility scoring systems available to veterinarians will be discussed in turn throughout this review for implementation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Clark
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - E Comerford
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
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7
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Michels GM, Honsberger NA, Walters RR, Kira S Tena J, Cleaver DM. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multisite, parallel-group field study in dogs with osteoarthritis conducted in the United States of America evaluating bedinvetmab, a canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody. Vet Anaesth Analg 2023; 50:446-458. [PMID: 37541934 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bedinvetmab, a fully canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, was evaluated in dogs for control of osteoarthritis-related pain in a study conducted to support registration in the USA. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study. ANIMALS General practice client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis (n = 272). METHODS Dogs were block randomized 1:1 to placebo (saline, n = 137) or bedinvetmab (n = 135; 0.5-1.0 mg kg-1) administered subcutaneously, once monthly. The primary end point, day 28 Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) treatment success (TS), required pain severity score (PSS; 0-10) decrease ≥1 and pain interference score (PIS; 0-10) decrease ≥ 2. CBPI TS rates [and number needed to treat (NNT)], change in scores [and standardized effect size (ES)], change in quality of life (QoL) and bedinvetmab half-life were calculated. RESULTS Significant (p < 0.05) improvement with bedinvetmab over placebo occurred (days 28, 42, 56, 84) for CBPI TS. Of cases evaluable for day 28 CBPI TS (placebo, n = 131; bedinvetmab, n = 128), success rates were 36.6% and 47.4%, respectively (p = 0.0410) (NNT, 9.3; PSS and PIS ES, 0.3). CBPI TS increased after the second dose in both groups, plateaued for bedinvetmab at day 42 and decreased for placebo beginning day 84. Day 84 NNT (4.3), PSS (0.4) and PIS (0.5) showed continued improvement with monthly dosing. After the first dose, mean (± standard deviation) bedinvetmab half-life was 19.1 (8.3) days. Adverse events were similar between groups and not considered treatment-related. There was a significant effect of bedinvetmab versus placebo on all CBPI components (PIS, PSS, QoL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results corroborated those previously reported and provide further support of safety and effectiveness of bedinvetmab (0.5-1.0 mg kg-1) administered subcutaneously at monthly intervals to dogs for control of osteoarthritis-related pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Michels
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
| | - Nicole A Honsberger
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Rodney R Walters
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | | | - Dawn M Cleaver
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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Schmidt T, Meller S, Meyerhoff N, Twele F, Zanghi B, Volk HA. A six-month prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, dietary trial design to investigate the potential of psychobiotics on seizure semiology and comorbidities in canine epilepsy: study protocol. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:57. [PMID: 36864510 PMCID: PMC9983181 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs. More than two-thirds of these patients suffer from associated behavioural comorbidities. The latter could have their origin in partially overlapping pathomechanisms, with the intestinal microbiome as a potential key link between them. The current arsenal of drugs for epilepsy management remains limited. Most canine patients continue to have seizures despite treatment and the occurrence of comorbidities is not sufficiently addressed, limiting quality of life of affected dogs and owners. Therefore, novel additional epilepsy management options are urgently needed. The microbiome-gut-brain axis may serve as a new target for the development of innovative multimodal therapeutic approaches to overcome current shortcomings in epilepsy management. METHODS A six-month prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, dietary trial was designed to investigate the potential of the psychobiotic Bifidobacterium longum on behavioural comorbidities in canine epilepsy. Seizure semiology will be evaluated as a secondary outcome measure. Thirty-four privately owned dogs are planned to be included in the ongoing study meeting the following inclusion criteria: Dogs displaying increased anxiety/fear behaviour since the start of the idiopathic epilepsy. Tier II confidence level of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force for the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy, with a maximum seizure interval of 3 month and a minimum of three generalised seizures within that period and chronically treated with at least one antiseizure drug without improvement in seizure frequency Each dog will receive the allocated supplement (probiotic vs. placebo) alongside its normal diet for a 3-month period. After a three-week wash out period, the second phase starts by administering the respective other supplement for another 3 months. DISCUSSION The current study considers modern high-quality standards for epilepsy medication trials. Common biasing effects should be limited to a possible minimum (regression-to-the mean effect, placebo effect, observer effect), ensuring a high validity and accuracy of the acquired results, thus enabling a representative nature of the efficacy of Bifidobacterium longum as add-on supplement for dogs suffering from epilepsy and its comorbidities. This publication should provide a description of the study procedure and data acquisition methods, including prognosed statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Schmidt
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Meller
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Meyerhoff
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Friederike Twele
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Brian Zanghi
- Research and Development, Nestlé Purina PetCare, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Holger Andreas Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany. .,Centre for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Lamminen T, Korpivaara M, Aspegrén J, Palestrini C, Overall KL. Pregabalin Alleviates Anxiety and Fear in Cats during Transportation and Veterinary Visits-A Clinical Field Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030371. [PMID: 36766260 PMCID: PMC9913435 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cats frequently suffer from anxiety related to travel and veterinary visits. One sequela is avoidance of veterinary visits and lack of adequate veterinary care. The objective of this study was to test clinical efficacy and safety of a novel formulation of a pregabalin 50 mg/mL oral solution for alleviation of anxiety and fear in cats during transport and veterinary visits. A total of 209 client-owned cats were given either a flavored pregabalin oral solution at the dosage of 5 mg/kg (n = 108) or an identical placebo (n = 101) approximately 90 min before placing them into the carrier and transporting them in a car for at least 20 min to a veterinary clinic. The treatment effect using a 5-point numerical rating scale was evaluated during transportation by the owner and during clinical examination by the veterinarian, both blinded to the treatment. In addition, to verify the owner assessment, an external expert blinded to the treatment and owner assessment evaluated the transportation video recordings using the same rating scale as the owner. Pregabalin 5 mg/kg statistically significantly decreased both travel- (p < 0.01) and veterinary-visit- (p < 0.01) related anxiety compared to the placebo. The external expert's evaluation was in agreement with the owners' assessment confirming the treatment effect during transportation (p < 0.01). Treatment was well tolerated with only a few cats showing transient slight incoordination and tiredness. The flavored oral solution formulation with a small dosing volume of 0.1 mL/kg was found by the owners to be user-friendly and was well-accepted by the cats. This study demonstrated that a single oral dosage of the novel pregabalin oral solution alleviates anxiety and fear related to transportation and veterinary visits in cats, thus providing practical aid for both owners and veterinarians to enable cat-friendly handling and improving the welfare of cats in situations they often perceive as very stressful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terttu Lamminen
- Research &Development, Orion Corporation Orion Pharma, 02100 Espoo, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Mira Korpivaara
- Research &Development, Orion Corporation Orion Pharma, 02100 Espoo, Finland
| | - John Aspegrén
- Research &Development, Orion Corporation Orion Pharma, 02100 Espoo, Finland
| | - Clara Palestrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20060 Lodi, Italy
| | - Karen L. Overall
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottentown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
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Development of Two Innovative Performance-Based Objective Measures in Feline Osteoarthritis: Their Reliability and Responsiveness to Firocoxib Analgesic Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911780. [PMID: 36233085 PMCID: PMC9569873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The metrological properties of two performance-based outcome measures of feline osteoarthritis (OA), namely Effort Path (Path) and Stairs Assay Compliance (Stairs), were tested. Cats naturally affected by OA (n = 32) were randomly distributed into four groups (A: 0.40, B: 0.25, C: 0.15, or D: 0.00 mg firocoxib/kg bodyweight) and assessed during baseline, treatment, and recovery periods. For Path, from an elevated walking platform, the cats landed on a pressure-sensitive mattress and jumped up onto a second elevated platform. Analysis included velocity, time to completion, peak vertical force (PVF), and vertical impulse. For Stairs, the number of steps and time to completion were recorded for 16 steps up and down in a 4 min period. Reliability was moderate to very good for Path and poor to good for Stairs. Different normalization methods are described in the manuscript. The placebo group remained stable within-time in Path, whereas treated cats trotted faster on the ramp (p < 0.0001), improved their PVF (p < 0.018) and completed the task quicker (p = 0.003). The percentage of cats completing the Stairs finish line was higher under treatment (p < 0.036), with huge effect size, the placebo group results being stable within-time. Both are promising performance-based outcome measures to better diagnose and manage feline OA pain.
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Cunningham R, Gruen ME, Thomson A, Lascelles BDX. Evaluation of a nutritional supplement for the alleviation of pain associated with feline degenerative joint disease: a prospective, randomized, stratified, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:962-974. [PMID: 34719996 PMCID: PMC10812307 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211053484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pain-alleviating and activity-enhancing effects of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate (Dasuquin) in cats that had degenerative joint disease (DJD) and owner-noted mobility/activity impairment. We hypothesized that the nutritional supplement would produce pain-relieving and activity-enhancing effects in cats with painful DJD. METHODS In this prospective, randomized, stratified, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 59 cats with DJD pain were assigned to receive a placebo (n = 30) or supplement (n = 29) for 6 weeks after 2 weeks of placebo. Outcome measures (at-home accelerometry and client-specific outcome measures [feline (CSOMf); Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI); quality of life (QoL)]; and veterinarian examination) were collected at days 14, 28, 42 and 56. RESULTS Twenty-seven cats in the treatment group and 30 in the placebo group completed the trial. Within the first 2 weeks (placebo administration to all cats), 78% of all cats had an improvement in CSOMf scores. Both groups showed significant improvement at most time points in CSOMf, FMPI, QoL and pain scores, with the placebo group showing greater improvement than the supplement group (significant for CSOMf [P = 0.01]). Overall, no differences in activity were seen between the groups. Cumulative distribution function analysis indicated that for most levels of activity, the placebo-treated cats were more active; however, the least active cats were more active on the supplement (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study showed a strong placebo effect. The glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement did not show pain-relieving effects when compared with placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Cunningham
- Comparative Behavioral Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Comparative Behavioral Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Andrea Thomson
- Comparative Behavioral Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, NC, USA
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12
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Rodiño Tilve V, Allaith S, Girling S, Moores AP, Mulholland L, Morrison S, Onyett J, Maddox TW, Lascelles BDX, Langley-Hobbs S, Comerford E. Long-term follow up of 44 cats undergoing total hip replacement: Cases from a feline hip registry (2010-2020). Vet Surg 2022; 51:763-771. [PMID: 35642440 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report indications, complications, and long-term outcomes following feline total hip replacement (THR) using a client-based clinical metrology questionnaire, the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI), and owner satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS Cats (n = 44) that underwent THR (n = 56). METHODS Feline THRs submitted to a registry over a 10-year period were reviewed. The FMPI and owner satisfaction surveys were used to assess outcome. RESULTS Forty-four cats met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 2 years (range: 0.9-11), and median bodyweight 5 kg (range: 3.3-7.6). British Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair were the most frequent breeds. Most cats were neutered males (33/44) and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) was the most common surgical indication (34/56). All implants were cemented micro and nano hip implants. Overall complications (11/56) included 9 major complications. The median duration of follow up was 752 days (range: 102-3089). No association was found between clinical variables and complications. The FMPI score improved from 0.111 (range: 0-1.222) to 2.111 (range: 0.888-3.666) postoperatively (P < .001). Owner satisfaction was reported as "very good" in 30/33 cases (90.9%). CONCLUSION A validated client metrology questionnaire showed clinical improvement in cats following THR. The most common indication for THR in cats was SCFE occurring in young male neutered cats. Complication rates were comparable to previous reports. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Total hip replacement appears to be a successful surgical treatment for feline hip disease with very good owner satisfaction and acceptable complication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumaya Allaith
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Lauren Mulholland
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas W Maddox
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Wirral, UK
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Eithne Comerford
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Wirral, UK
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13
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Corbee RJ. The efficacy of a nutritional supplement containing green-lipped mussel, curcumin and blackcurrant leaf extract in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1025-1035. [PMID: 35274496 PMCID: PMC9122405 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteoarthritis is a common disease in dogs and cats, and the search for novel treatment options is needed. The combination of green‐lipped mussel, curcumin and blackcurrant leaf extract has to date not been studied in dogs and cats. Objectives The aim of this study was to test the effect of a supplement containing green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), curcumin (Curcuma longa) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) leaf extract on locomotion and behaviour in client‐owned dogs and cats suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Methods To this end, 32 dogs and 16 cats were enrolled in a double‐blinded, randomised, crossover, placebo‐controlled trial for 10 weeks in cats and 16 weeks in dogs. Outcome parameters were the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI) by pet owners in dogs and cats, Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool (COAST) by a veterinarian in dogs and Force Plate Analysis (FPA) in 18 dogs. Results In dogs, the COAST improved significantly in the supplement group compared to baseline but was not different than the placebo group. In cats, the ability to groom, activity level, playfulness and walking up the stairs improved in the supplement group. No differences were found on HCPI scores and FPA in dogs. Several non‐responders were noted in both species, which were irrespective of the stage of osteoarthritis. Conclusions Overall, the supplement had only partial positive effects in client‐owned dogs and cats with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Further research with a larger sample size and longer duration is needed to expand these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Jan Corbee
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Zaki S, Blaker CL, Little CB. OA foundations - experimental models of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:357-380. [PMID: 34536528 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly recognised as a disease of diverse phenotypes with variable clinical presentation, progression, and response to therapeutic intervention. This same diversity is readily apparent in the many animal models of OA. However, model selection, study design, and interpretation of resultant findings, are not routinely done in the context of the target human (or veterinary) patient OA sub-population or phenotype. This review discusses the selection and use of animal models of OA in discovery and therapeutic-development research. Beyond evaluation of the different animal models on offer, this review suggests focussing the approach to OA-animal model selection on study objective(s), alignment of available models with OA-patient sub-types, and the resources available to achieve valid and translatable results. How this approach impacts model selection is discussed and an experimental design checklist for selecting the optimal model(s) is proposed. This approach should act as a guide to new researchers and a reminder to those already in the field, as to issues that need to be considered before embarking on in vivo pre-clinical research. The ultimate purpose of using an OA animal model is to provide the best possible evidence if, how, when and where a molecule, pathway, cell or process is important in clinical disease. By definition this requires both model and study outcomes to align with and be predictive of outcomes in patients. Keeping this at the forefront of research using pre-clinical OA models, will go a long way to improving the quality of evidence and its translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zaki
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Australia; Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Australia.
| | - C L Blaker
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Australia; Murray Maxwell Biomechanics Laboratory, The Kolling Institute, University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, At Royal North Shore Hospital, Australia.
| | - C B Little
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Australia.
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15
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Enomoto M, Lascelles BDX, Robertson JB, Gruen ME. Refinement of the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) and development of the short-form FMPI. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:142-151. [PMID: 34002643 PMCID: PMC10812168 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211011984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and responsiveness of the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) using the collective results of multiple clinical studies and iteratively refine the FMPI for future use. METHODS Data were compiled from previously conducted studies involving client-owned cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD) and which used the FMPI. The reliability of the FMPI was assessed using the data from the initial visits of those studies. For the assessment of responsiveness of the FMPI, only placebo-controlled studies that used analgesic treatments were included. Treatment groups from each study were combined and categorized as 'placebo' group and 'analgesic' group. Then, the mean change from baseline in score of each FMPI item and across all items within and between these groups were assessed. Based on the results of the reliability and responsiveness of the FMPI, stepwise elimination was used to remove the items that were least able to distinguish between the placebo and analgesic groups. Finally, after the stepwise elimination, a proposed new FMPI-short form (FMPI-sf) was constructed and its reliability was reassessed using the data sets described above. Individual and combined data sets of the studies were also used to compare the responsiveness of the original FMPI and the FMPI-sf. RESULTS The data from 180 cats from four studies were included. The original FMPI had a reasonable reliability, but low/no responsiveness. The elimination process of FMPI items refined the responsiveness of the instrument while maintaining its reliability. When the responsiveness was compared between the original FMPI (17 items) and the FMPI-sf (nine items), the treatment effect between groups was always greater when the FMPI-sf was used. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The proposed FMPI-sf may be able to better distinguish between placebo and analgesic effects in cats with DJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Enomoto
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James B Robertson
- Biostatistician, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Behavioral Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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16
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Pankratz K, Korman J, Emke C, Johnson B, Griffith EH, Gruen ME. Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of the Assisi Anti-anxiety Device (Calmer Canine) for the Treatment of Canine Separation Anxiety. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:775092. [PMID: 34988140 PMCID: PMC8720769 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.775092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Separation anxiety (SA) is among the most common canine behavior disorders and affects quality-of-life for dogs and their owners. Dogs with SA show signs of anxiety during absence or perceived absence of their owners. While psychoactive medications are often helpful for treating SA, dog and human factors may limit their utility. This study explored the efficacy of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device for treatment of canine SA. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study, a screening questionnaire and baseline video confirmed the diagnosis of SA. Owners treated their dog with the device twice daily for 6 weeks, completed weekly questionnaires, and noted adverse events. Videos were taken of the dog while alone at weeks 4 and 6. Behaviors were coded and categorized as negative and positive. Questionnaire and video data at weeks 4 and 6 were compared to baseline. Results: Forty client-owned dogs with moderate to severe SA completed the study. There were no differences between groups for age, weight, or sex. In owner questionnaires, no difference in behavior or overall score was found between the active and sham groups (p > 0.05). Videos of the active group compared to the sham group showed significant reduction in negative behaviors by week 6 (p = 0.036) and higher percentage of success at week 4 (Z = 2.83, p = 0.005), at week 6 (Z = 1.65, p = 0.098), and across the full study (Z = 1.99, p = 0.047). Adverse events were reported in eight dogs (6 active, 2 sham); all resolved and were unlikely to be related to treatment. Discussion: This study supports the efficacy and safety of this PEMF device for treatment of SA in dogs. Questionnaire results may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle negative behavioral states compared to video, and may not capture other owner observed behavioral changes. A caregiver placebo effect may account for some improvement seen in both groups. Video data appear better for diagnosis and monitoring dog's behavior when left alone. Future studies should assess PEMF's impact on other anxieties or combination of anxiety disorders in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Pankratz
- Behavioral Medicine Service, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Judy Korman
- Assisi Animal Health, Northvale, NJ, United States
| | - Carrie Emke
- Clinical Studies Core, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Brianna Johnson
- Clinical Studies Core, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Emily H Griffith
- Department of Statistics, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Behavioral Medicine Service, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Comparative Behavioral Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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17
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Gruen ME, Myers JAE, Tena JKS, Becskei C, Cleaver DM, Lascelles BDX. Frunevetmab, a felinized anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of pain from osteoarthritis in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2752-2762. [PMID: 34724255 PMCID: PMC8692178 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frunevetmab, a felinized antinerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, effectively decreases osteoarthritis (OA) pain in cats. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of frunevetmab given at monthly intervals in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, double‐blind superiority study. Animals Two hundred seventy‐five client‐owned cats with naturally‐occurring OA pain and associated mobility impairment and disability. Methods Randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, double‐blind, superiority study. Following screening, cats received frunevetmab (nominal dose of 1.0 mg/kg, SC [effective dose range of 1.0‐2.8 mg/kg]) or placebo on days 0, 28, and 56. Outcome measures were owner questionnaires and veterinary physical and orthopedic evaluations at days 28, 56, and 84. Success/failure rates (and numbers needed treat, NNT) and change in scores (and standardized effect size, ES) were analyzed. Results Frunevetmab (182) and placebo (93) treated cats were enrolled and received at least 1 treatment. Significant improvement with frunevetmab over placebo occurred at days 28 and 56 for the client specific outcome measures (CSOM) questionnaire (success rates and total scores [NNT of 9 and ES of 0.3 at day 56]); at days 28 and 56 for owner‐assessed global treatment response; and at days 56 and 84 for veterinarian‐assessed joint pain (ES of 0.18 at day 56). Adverse events did not differ between groups, except skin disorders which collectively occurred significantly more frequently in frunevetmab treated (32/182 cats) vs placebo (8/93 cats). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Frunevetmab has the potential to address a critical gap in the treatment of pain because of osteoarthritis in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Gruen
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Behavioral Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jamie A E Myers
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Jezaniah-Kira S Tena
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Csilla Becskei
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Belgium SA, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Dawn M Cleaver
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Thurston Arthritis Center, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Gruen ME, Myers JAE, Lascelles BDX. Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-nerve Growth Factor Antibody (Frunevetmab) for the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease-Associated Chronic Pain in Cats: A Multisite Pilot Field Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:610028. [PMID: 34124212 PMCID: PMC8195238 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.610028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pain management for cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD) remains a critical unmet need. Recent work has shown promise for a feline-specific anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody (frunevetmab) to deliver safe and effective pain management. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of frunevetmab administered twice using two administration routes (subcutaneous and intravenous) compared to placebo. Methods: This was a randomized placebo-controlled, double-masked study. After a week-long pain and activity baseline, 126 cats were randomized to receive injections of frunevetmab (IV then SC; n = 42 or SC then SC; n = 43) or placebo (IV then SC; n = 41) on Days 0 and 28. Owners completed questionnaires on Days 14, 28, 42, and 56. Accelerometry data were collected continuously throughout. Results: Owner questionnaire results showed significant improvement in frunevetmab-treated cats [compared to placebo; (p < 0.05)] at Days 42 and 56; no difference was found between routes of administration for frunevetmab. All groups had decreased objectively measured weekly activity from baseline; frunevetmab-treated cats had a mean decrease of 0.9%, while placebo-treated cats had a mean decrease of 9.3%. Treatments were generally well-tolerated. The majority of adverse events included dermatitis/alopecia related to activity-monitor collars; these occurred in a higher percentage of frunevetmab, compared to placebo, treated cats. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Treatment with frunevetmab provided improvements in owner ratings of mobility over treatment with placebo; these results were supported by objectively measured accelerometry. Frunevetmab has the potential to address a critical gap in the treatment of chronic pain in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Gruen
- Translational Research in Pain Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Behavioral Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jamie A. E. Myers
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - B. Duncan X. Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Thurston Arthritis Center, University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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19
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Adrian D, King JN, Parrish RS, King SB, C Budsberg S, Gruen ME, Lascelles BDX. Robenacoxib shows efficacy for the treatment of chronic degenerative joint disease-associated pain in cats: a randomized and blinded pilot clinical trial. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7721. [PMID: 33833276 PMCID: PMC8032665 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this pilot clinical trial was to evaluate outcome measures for the assessment of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) robenacoxib in cats with degenerative joint disease-associated pain (DJD-pain). Otherwise healthy cats (n = 109) with DJD-pain entered a parallel group, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Cats received placebo (P) or robenacoxib (R) for two consecutive 3-week periods. Treatment groups were PP, RR, and RP. Actimetry and owner-assessment data were collected. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects and generalized mixed-effects linear models. Activity data showed high within-cat and between-cat variability, and 82.4% of the values were zero. Compared to placebo, mean total activity was higher (5.7%) in robenacoxib-treated cats (p = 0.24); for the 80th percentile of activity, more robenacoxib-treated cats had a > 10% increase in activity after 3 (p = 0.046) and 6 weeks (p = 0.026). Robenacoxib treatment significantly decreased owner-assessed disability, (p = 0.01; 49% reduction in disability; effect size ~ 0.3), and improved temperament (p = 0.0039) and happiness (p = 0.021) after 6 weeks. More robenacoxib-treated cats were successes at 6 weeks (p = 0.018; NNT: 3.8). Adverse effect frequencies were similar across groups. Results identified suitable endpoints for confirmatory studies, while also indicating efficacy of robenacoxib in cats with DJD-pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Adrian
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, USA
| | - Jonathan N King
- Elanco Animal Health, Companion Animal Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rudolph S Parrish
- Elanco Animal Health, Companion Animal Development, Greenfield, IN, USA
- Vista Research LLC, Bath, ME, USA
| | - Stephen B King
- Elanco Animal Health, Companion Animal Development, Greenfield, IN, USA
| | - Steven C Budsberg
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Behavioral Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Thurston Arthritis Center, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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20
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Taylor PM. Just because we can – Doesn’t mean we should. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Perdew I, Emke C, Johnson B, Dixit V, Song Y, Griffith EH, Watson P, Gruen ME. Evaluation of Pexion ® (imepitoin) for treatment of storm anxiety in dogs: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e18. [PMID: 33960445 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While often grouped with other noise aversions, fearful behaviour during storms is considered more complex than noise aversion alone. The objective here was to assess the effect of imepitoin for the treatment of storm anxiety in dogs. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study, eligible dogs completed a baseline then were randomised to receive either imepitoin (n = 30; 30 mg/kg BID) or placebo (n = 15) for 28 days. During storms, owners rated their dog's intensity for 16 behaviours using a Likert scale. Weekly, owners rated intensity and frequency of these behaviours. Summary scores were compared to baseline and between groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Imepitoin was significantly superior to placebo in storm logs and weekly surveys for weeks 2 and 4, and in the end-of-study survey. Mild/moderate adverse events were reported in 26 patients (24 active: two placebo); the most frequent adverse event was ataxia. Owners of dogs in the imepitoin group, compared to placebo, were significantly more likely to report that treatment reduced their dogs fear and anxiety during storms (p < 0.001) and other noise events (p < 0.001). Twice daily administration of imepitoin decreased anxiety scores in dogs with storm anxiety. Future work may evaluate optimal dosage regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Perdew
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carrie Emke
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brianna Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vaidehi Dixit
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yukun Song
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily H Griffith
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University College of Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Philip Watson
- Ingelheim am Rhein, Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Ruel HLM, Watanabe R, Evangelista MC, Beauchamp G, Auger JP, Segura M, Steagall PV. Pain burden, sensory profile and inflammatory cytokines of dogs with naturally-occurring neuropathic pain treated with gabapentin alone or with meloxicam. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237121. [PMID: 33253197 PMCID: PMC7703878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine neuropathic pain (NeuP) has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the pain burden, sensory profile and inflammatory cytokines in dogs with naturally-occurring NeuP. Twenty-nine client-owned dogs with NeuP were included in a prospective, partially masked, randomized crossover clinical trial, and treated with gabapentin/placebo/gabapentin-meloxicam or gabapentin-meloxicam/placebo/gabapentin (each treatment block of 7 days; total 21 days). Pain scores, mechanical (MNT) and electrical (ENT) nociceptive thresholds and descending noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) were assessed at baseline, days 7, 14, and 21. DNIC was evaluated using ΔMNT (after-before conditioning stimulus). Positive or negative ΔMNT corresponded to inhibitory or facilitatory pain profiles, respectively. Pain scores were recorded using the Client Specific Outcome Measures (CSOM), Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), and short-form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF). Data from baseline were compared to those of sixteen healthy controls. ΔMNT, but not MNT and ENT, was significantly larger in controls (2.3 ± 0.9 N) than in NeuP (-0.2 ± 0.7 N). The percentage of dogs with facilitatory sensory profile was similar at baseline and after placebo (61.5–63%), and between controls and after gabapentin (33.3–34.6%). The CBPI scores were significantly different between gabapentin (CBPI pain and CBPI overall impression) and/or gabapentin-meloxicam (CBPI pain and interference) when compared with baseline, but not placebo. The CBPI scores were not significantly different between placebo and baseline. The concentration of cytokines was not different between groups or treatments. Dogs with NeuP have deficient inhibitory pain mechanisms. Pain burden was reduced after gabapentin and/or gabapentin-meloxicam when compared with baseline using CBPI and CMPS-SF scores. However, these scores were not superior than placebo, nor placebo was superior to baseline evaluations. A caregiver placebo effect may have biased the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène L. M. Ruel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryota Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Marina C. Evangelista
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Guy Beauchamp
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Auger
- Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP) and Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Mariela Segura
- Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP) and Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRIPA), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Paulo V. Steagall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Dowgray N, Comerford E. Feline musculoskeletal ageing: How are we diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal impairment? J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1069-1083. [PMID: 33100170 PMCID: PMC10814220 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20965832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE An understanding of the process of musculoskeletal ageing - which all senior and geriatric cats will experience - is vital to maintaining the health and welfare of our ageing cat population. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Assessment of the feline musculoskeletal system is not always straightforward. Diagnosis of impairment relies on input from owners and veterinarians in terms of visual observation, and clinical and orthopaedic examination, in addition to diagnostic imaging. AUDIENCE This review is written for the primary care veterinary team. AIMS The goals are to raise awareness and improve clinical diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairment as a result of ageing. The article also reviews therapeutic options and considers the evidence available for the prevention/deceleration of musculoskeletal ageing and impairment. EVIDENCE BASE There is good evidence of a high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease (DJD) in older cats. There is also good evidence to indicate that functional impairment and chronic pain are sequelae of musculoskeletal disease. However, there is a paucity of information for what is best practice for the management and treatment of musculoskeletal impairment in a clinical situation. There is also a lack of evidence on how prevention of central stimulation of the nervous system caused by musculoskeletal impairment and, in turn the development of chronic pain, can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eithne Comerford
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, UK
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24
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Sharon KP, Thompson CM, Lascelles BDX, Parrish RS. Novel use of an activity monitor to model jumping behaviors in cats. Am J Vet Res 2020; 81:334-343. [PMID: 32228255 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.81.4.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop methods to identify and characterize activity monitor (AM) data signatures for jumps performed by cats. ANIMALS 13 healthy, client-owned cats without evidence of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. PROCEDURES Each cat was fitted with the same AM, individually placed in an observation room, then simultaneously recorded by 3 video cameras during the observation period (5 to 8 hours). Each cat was encouraged to jump up (JU), jump down (JD), and jump across (JA) during the observation period. Output from the AM was manually annotated for jumping events, each of which was characterized by functional data analysis yielding relevant coefficients. The coefficients were then used in linear discriminant analysis to differentiate recorded jumps as JUs, JDs, or JAs. To assess the model's ability to distinguish among the 3 jump types, a leave-one-out cross-validation method was used, and the misclassification error rate of the overall categorization of the model was calculated. RESULTS Of 731 jumping events, 29 were misclassified. Overall, the mean misclassification error rate per cat was 5.4% (range, 0% to 12.5%), conversely indicating a correct classification rate per cat of 94.6%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the model was successful in correctly identifying JUs, JDs, and JAs in healthy cats. With advancements in AM technology and data processing, there is potential for the model to be applied in clinical settings as a means to obtain objective outcome measures.
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain represents the extreme in maladaptive pain processing. In itself, it is a disease in which pain has become exaggerated in some combination of scope, severity, character, field, duration, and spontaneity. It is almost certainly an underappreciated, underdiagnosed cause of possible significant patient morbidity in cats. This article explores the basic mechanisms, recognition, known and suspect syndromes, and prospective treatment of feline maladaptive and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Epstein
- TotalBond Veterinary Hospital, c/o Forestbrook, 3200 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA.
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Abstract
This article reviews the current knowledge regarding osteoarthritis-related pain in cats as a structure in which to discuss the assessment of chronic pain in the research and clinical settings. The scientific evidence available for current and emerging drug therapies is described. The importance of environmental enrichment and positive emotions to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety as means to promote feline welfare and human-pet bond is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly M Taylor
- Taylor Monroe, Gravel Head Farm, Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK
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29
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The effectiveness of marine based fatty acid compound (PCSO-524) and firocoxib in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:349. [PMID: 31623621 PMCID: PMC6798752 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NSAIDs are accepted as the most predictably efficacious medical treatment of the clinical signs of osteoarthritis (OA). The marine-based fatty-acid compound PCSO-524 has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment for canine OA, however benefits of this agent is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of PCSO-524 combined with the NSAID firocoxib using force plate gait analysis, orthopedic assessment score (OAS) and canine brief pain inventory score (CBPI) in dogs with OA. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was conducted. Seventy-nine dogs that had hip and/or stifle OA were assigned randomly into three treatment groups: firocoxib, PCSO-524 and combination of firocoxib and PCSO-524, orally for 4 weeks. Peak vertical force (PVF, expressed as a percentage of bodyweight), OAS, CBPI, serum prostaglandin E2 concentration, hematology and blood chemistry values were evaluated before treatment (Day0), as well as at the second (Day14) and fourth week (Day28) during treatment. Results Within group analysis revealed significant increases in PVF over the 4-week treatment period for firocoxib, PCSO-524 and the combination (p < 0.05). Mean increases in PVF were 3.25 ± 4.13, 2.01 ± 3.86, 4.11 ± 4.69%BW (mean ± SD) respectively. The OAS showed non-significant change in all treatment groups. There were significant decreases in CBPI pain severity score (PSS) and CBPI pain interference scores (PIS) within some groups over time, however no significant differences were found between the groups. Significantly decreased serum PGE2 concentration (p < 0.05) was found in the combination group. Significant increases in BUN and creatinine (p < 0.05) compared to pre-treatment values were found in the firocoxib and combination groups but not in the PCSO-524 group at day28, but all values in all dogs remained within the normal ranges. Conclusions The results of this study suggested combination of both PCSO-524 and firocoxib is more effective in alleviation of inflammation and improvement of weight bearing ability when compared to the uses of either PCSO-524 or firocoxib alone. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm this, and to determine if there is any benefit of PCSO-524 over placebo.
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Stadig S, Lascelles BDX, Nyman G, Bergh A. Evaluation and comparison of pain questionnaires for clinical screening of osteoarthritis in cats. Vet Rec 2019; 185:757. [PMID: 31619513 PMCID: PMC6996100 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of long-standing pain and physical dysfunction. Performing a physical examination of a cat is often challenging. There is a need for disease-specific questionnaires or the so-called clinical metrology instruments (CMIs) to facilitate diagnosis and evaluation of treatment of feline OA. The CMI provides the owners an assessment of the cat's behavioural and lifestyle changes in the home environment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate readability, internal consistency, reliability and discriminatory ability of four CMIs. METHODS This is a prospective, cross-sectional study with 142 client-owned cats. Feline OA was diagnosed based on medical history, orthopaedic examination and radiography. RESULTS The results indicate that all four instruments have sound readability, internal consistency, are reliable over time and have good discriminatory ability. Preliminary cut-off values with optimal sensitivity and specificity were suggested for each instrument. The osteoarthritic cats showed significant changes in behavioural response to pain during orthopaedic examination, compared with sound cats. CONCLUSION The results indicate that all four questionnaires make an important contribution in a clinical setting, and that the cat's behavioural response to pain during physical examination should be a parameter to take into account as a possible indication of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Stadig
- Department of Clinical Sciences, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gorel Nyman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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31
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Stephens T. The Use of Chemotherapy to Prolong the Life of Dogs Suffering from Cancer: The Ethical Dilemma. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E441. [PMID: 31337112 PMCID: PMC6681408 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the emergence some years ago of oncology as a veterinary specialty, there has been very little in the way of ethical debate on the use of chemotherapy in dogs. The purpose of this article is to undertake an ethical analysis to critically examine the use of chemotherapy to prolong the life of dogs suffering from cancer. If dogs have no concept of the future and are likely to suffer at least some adverse effects with such treatments, consideration should be given as to whether it is ethical and in the animal's best interests to use chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutic drugs are mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic and may be irritant. Furthermore, chemotherapy may involve multiple trips to the veterinarian, multiple procedures and periods in isolation. Cancer-associated pain has been shown to be under-diagnosed and pet owners overestimate the effects of chemotherapy on treatment survival time. Of additional concern is the public health risks associated with chemotherapeutic drugs. As chemotherapy is not generally considered curative, it is in effect palliative care. However, palliative care may not be in the best interests of a terminally ill animal. As the specialty of veterinary oncology continues to grow and as the use of chemotherapy becomes more commonplace in the treatment of animals with cancer, it is imperative that there is an ongoing ethical debate on the use of chemotherapy in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Stephens
- Haberfield Veterinary Hospital, Haberfield, NSW 2045, Australia.
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32
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Lascelles BDX, Brown DC, Conzemius MG, Gill M, Oshinsky ML, Sharkey M. Measurement of chronic pain in companion animals: Discussions from the Pain in Animals Workshop (PAW) 2017. Vet J 2019; 250:71-78. [PMID: 31383423 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the face of increasing recognition and interest in treating chronic pain in companion animals, we struggle with a lack of therapeutic options. A significant barrier to the development of new therapeutics, or the critical evaluation of current therapies, is our inability to accurately measure chronic pain and its impact on companion animals. Over the last 20 years, much progress has been made in developing methods to measure chronic pain via subjective and objective methods - particularly in owner assessment tools and measurements of limb use and activity. Most work has been focused on chronic joint pain conditions, but there has been relatively little work in other areas of chronic pain, such as neuropathic and cancer pain. Although progress has been made, there is a considerable interest in improving our assessment of chronic pain, as evidenced by the multiple disciplines across industry, academia, and clinical practice from the veterinary and human medical fields that participated in the Pain in Animals Workshop held at the National Institutes of Health in 2017. This review is one product of that meeting and summarizes the current state of knowledge surrounding the measurement of chronic pain (musculoskeletal, cancer, neuropathic), and its impact, in cats and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Thurston Arthritis Center, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - D C Brown
- Translational and Comparative Medicine Research, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA
| | - M G Conzemius
- Clinical Investigation Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - M Gill
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M L Oshinsky
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M Sharkey
- Center for Veterinary Medicine Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Chronic pain is a feline health and welfare issue. It has a negative impact on quality of life and impairs the owner-cat bond. Chronic pain can exist by itself or may be associated with disease and/or injury, including osteoarthritis (OA), cancer, and oral and periodontal disease, among others. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Chronic pain assessment is a fundamental part of feline practice, but can be challenging due to differences in pain mechanisms underlying different conditions, and the cat's natural behavior. It relies mostly on owner-assessed behavioral changes and time-consuming veterinary consultations. Beyond OA - for which disease-specific clinical signs have been described - little is known regarding other feline conditions that produce chronic pain. RECENT ADVANCES Knowledge of the subject has, however, greatly improved in the past few years, informed by study of the mechanisms of pain in cats with OA and the development of pain scales that can be used by owners or veterinarians. Pain scales may facilitate the diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of chronic painful conditions, providing a basis for therapeutic decision-making. Assessment of quality of life is also recommended in cats with chronic pain, and its improvement can be used as a positive outcome in response to therapy. AIMS This article reviews recent advances and presents the challenges and some future perspectives on clinical chronic pain assessment. The most common feline chronic conditions associated with pain are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz P Monteiro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Paulo V Steagall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
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Adrian DE, Rishniw M, Scherk M, Lascelles BDX. Prescribing practices of veterinarians in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:495-506. [PMID: 30033841 PMCID: PMC10814540 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x18787910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the high prevalence and increasing awareness of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats, approved treatment options are completely lacking in the USA, and few other options have sufficient safety and efficacy data. Knowledge of current prescribing practices should inform future research of putative therapies. We aimed to determine which drug and non-drug therapies were being used by general practitioners for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in cats and to understand demographic influences on prescribing practices. METHODS We distributed a survey to 36,676 veterinarians who were members of the Veterinary Information Network in January 2017. Within 3 weeks, 1056 practitioners completed the survey. The survey included demographic and background information, questions on prescribing frequency and dosing regimen of 13 drug and non-drug therapies and questions on preferred medication formulations and dosing frequencies. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as χ2 testing to evaluate relationships between demographic variables and prescription practices. RESULTS Gabapentin was prescribed most frequently (71% of respondents), followed by joint supplements (67.8%), meloxicam (64.0%), opioids (62.6%), fish oil (62.1%) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (61.9%). Years in practice appeared to influence prescribing habits, with practitioners graduated for >20 years prescribing glucocorticoids more frequently than other age groups ( P = 0.0002), whereas recent graduates (<1 year) reported prescribing therapies less frequently across all categories. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These results show a contrast between therapies prescribed by practitioners and what is supported by evidenced-based literature. Future research evaluating the safety and efficacy of gabapentin should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek E Adrian
- Comparative Pain Research Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Comparative Pain Research Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Pain Research and Innovation, UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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A double-blinded randomised dietary supplement crossover trial design to investigate the short-term influence of medium chain fatty acid (MCT) supplement on canine idiopathic epilepsy: study protocol. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:181. [PMID: 31146740 PMCID: PMC6543566 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is the most common brain disease in dogs. Recently, diets have been reported to have a positive impact on seizure activity and behaviour in various species including dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Historically, classic high fat ketogenic diets (KD) and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) KD have been successfully used to manage drug-resistant epilepsy. Similarly, an MCT enriched diet has been shown to improve seizure control and behavioural comorbidities in some dogs with IE. However, it is unknown whether an MCT dietary supplement (DS) may provide similar positive effects. Methods A 6-month prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, multicentre dietary trial is designed comparing a 9% metabolic energy based calculated medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil supplement to a conventional ‘control’ DS. Only dogs which will have an International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force Tier II level like diagnosis of IE which satisfied the following inclusion criteria are included: age between 6 months and ≤ 12 years; weighing between 4 and ≤ 65 kg; unremarkable interictal neurological examinations; no clinically significant findings on routine laboratory diagnostics; unremarkable brain MRI scan; have had at least 3 seizures in the previous 3 months prior to enrolment; treated with at least one ASD and being classified as resistant. All dogs are fed initially for 90 ± 2 days with either the control oil or the MCT oil alongside their normal diet, followed by 97 ± 2 days with the other supplement including a 7-day washout period. Overall, the aim is to recruit thirty-six patients at five different centres and to investigate the effect of MCTs as DS on seizure activity, tolerability, behavioural comorbidities and quality of life (QoL). Discussion Dietary interventions are rarely studied in a standardised form in veterinary medicine. The background diet, the cohort of animals and ASD received is standardised in this prospective diet trial to ensure representative data about the potential effect of MCT DS. If the study data confirms former findings, this would provide further evidence for the efficacy of MCTs as a management option for canine epilepsy. This publication should offer a repository of trial conditions and variable description with forecasted statistical analysis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-019-1915-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Epstein ME. Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody: a prospective new therapy for canine and feline osteoarthritis. Vet Rec 2019; 184:20-22. [PMID: 30606856 DOI: 10.1136/vr.k5292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Epstein
- DVM, Dipl ABVP (C/F), CVPP, TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals, c/o Forestbrook, 3200 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA
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Enomoto M, Mantyh PW, Murrell J, Innes JF, Lascelles BDX. Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies for the control of pain in dogs and cats. Vet Rec 2018; 184:23. [PMID: 30368458 PMCID: PMC6326241 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for the survival of sensory and sympathetic neurons during development. However, in the adult, NGF and its interaction with tropomyosin receptor kinase A receptor (TrkA) has been found to play a critical role in nociception and nervous system plasticity in pain conditions. Thus, various monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies targeting this pathway have been investigated in the development of new pharmacotherapies for chronic pain. Although none of the mAbs against NGF are yet approved for use in humans, they look very promising for the effective control of pain. Recently, species-specific anti-NGF mAbs for the management of osteoarthritis (OA)-associated pain in dogs and cats has been developed, and early clinical trials have been conducted. Anti-NGF therapy looks to be both very effective and very promising as a novel therapy against chronic pain in dogs and cats. This review outlines the mechanism of action of NGF, the role of NGF in osteoarthritis, research in rodent OA models and the current status of the development of anti-NGF mAbs in humans. Furthermore, we describe and discuss the recent development of species-specific anti-NGF mAbs for the treatment of OA-associated pain in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Enomoto
- Translational Research in Pain, Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick W Mantyh
- Cancer Center's Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Joanna Murrell
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Translational Research in Pain, Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Center for Pain Research and Innovation, UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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38
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The use of trazodone to facilitate calm behavior after elective orthopedic surgery in dogs: Results and lessons learned from a clinical trial. J Vet Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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39
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Adrian D, Papich M, Baynes R, Murrell J, Lascelles BDX. Chronic maladaptive pain in cats: A review of current and future drug treatment options. Vet J 2017; 230:52-61. [PMID: 28887012 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite our increasing understanding of the pathophysiology underlying chronic or maladaptive pain, there is a significant gap in our ability to diagnose and treat the condition in domestic cats. Newer techniques being used to identify abnormalities in pain processing in the cat include validated owner questionnaires, measurement of movement and activity, and measurement of sensory thresholds and somatomotor responses. While some data are available evaluating possible therapeutics for the treatment of chronic pain in the cat, most data are limited to normal cats. This review details our current understanding of chronic or maladaptive pain, techniques for the detection and measurement of the condition and the associated central nervous changes, as well as an overview of the data evaluating potential therapeutics in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Adrian
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Mark Papich
- Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ron Baynes
- Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jo Murrell
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Center for Pain Research and Innovation, UNC School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Center for Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Lees P, Pelligand L, Whiting M, Chambers D, Toutain PL, Whitehead ML. Comparison of veterinary drugs and veterinary homeopathy: part 2. Vet Rec 2017; 181:198-207. [PMID: 28821700 PMCID: PMC5738588 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Part 2 of this narrative review outlines the theoretical and practical bases for assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of conventional medicines and homeopathic products. Known and postulated mechanisms of action are critically reviewed. The evidence for clinical efficacy of products in both categories, in the form of practitioner experience, meta-analysis and systematic reviews of clinical trial results, is discussed. The review also addresses problems and pitfalls in assessing data, and the ethical and negative aspects of pharmacology and homeopathy in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Whiting
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
| | - D Chambers
- Hall Manor, Kelly, Lifton, Devon PL16 0HQ, UK
| | - P-L Toutain
- Toxalim, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse, France
| | - M L Whitehead
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5SY, UK
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41
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Lees P, Pelligand L, Whiting M, Chambers D, Toutain PL, Whitehead ML. Comparison of veterinary drugs and veterinary homeopathy: part 1. Vet Rec 2017; 181:170-176. [PMID: 28801498 PMCID: PMC5738587 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
For many years after its invention around 1796, homeopathy was widely used in people and later in animals. Over the intervening period (1796-2016) pharmacology emerged as a science from Materia Medica (medicinal materials) to become the mainstay of veterinary therapeutics. There remains today a much smaller, but significant, use of homeopathy by veterinary surgeons. Homeopathic products are sometimes administered when conventional drug therapies have not succeeded, but are also used as alternatives to scientifically based therapies and licensed products. The principles underlying the veterinary use of drug-based and homeopathic products are polar opposites; this provides the basis for comparison between them. This two-part review compares and contrasts the two treatment forms in respect of history, constituents, methods of preparation, known or postulated mechanisms underlying responses, the legal basis for use and scientific credibility in the 21st century. Part 1 begins with a consideration of why therapeutic products actually work or appear to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lees
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - L Pelligand
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - M Whiting
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D Chambers
- Hall Manor, Kelly, Lifton, Devon PL16 0HQ, UK
| | - P-L Toutain
- Toxalim, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse, France
| | - M L Whitehead
- CertSAM, MRCVS, Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5SY, UK
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