A new Colorado State University study will see whether the same herbal supplements people are taking to soothe their aches and pains can do the same for dogs suffering from arthritis.
The clinical study will be open to 36 dogs who qualify on a scale of lameness and pain. Dogs enrolled in the study will be seen at the university’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital over a five-week period.
The canines will receive either an herbal supplement or a placebo to test the supplement’s effectiveness in helping manage pain. The study also will probe complications that come with herbal supplements.
Traditionally, arthritic dogs receive anti-inflammatory medication as a treatment, said Dr. Narda Robinson, a veterinarian and expert in complementary care and treatment in the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Still, Robinson said, “there are concerns about the long-term side effects of these drugs, such as gastric ulcers, bleeding, abdominal pain, and kidney or liver damage.”
Makers of herbal supplements claim their products address pain without the same negative side effects. But “research supporting these claims — especially regarding how that research pertains to pets — is sparse,” Robinson said.
Herbal supplements for dogs are not often the topic of veterinary research, said CSU. Veterinarians often are worried about owners giving their pets herbs because animals and humans may metabolize the supplements differently and substances that don’t appear to have adverse affects for humans can be harmful or even fatal to animals.
Only dogs with confirmed osteoarthritis in one or more joints will qualify for the study, Robinson said. Dogs will be given an initial exam for lameness and pain and to obtain baseline data about their use of limbs and overall health, CSU said.
Dogs in the study will be assessed weekly and undergo tests throughout to measure any improvements.
CSU emphasizes that the herbal mixture being tested has been studied in humans and horses. Results show pain has been reduced without known side effects.
Pet owners interested in participating in the study are asked to call Robinson at 970-297-4202 or to e-mail her at Narda.Robinson@colostate.edu/.
