Intra-articular botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) for pain management in dogs with osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia: A randomized controlled clinical trial

摘要

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intra-articular (IA) injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) to the management of chronic pain in dogs. In a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study sixteen dogs with osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia were distributed into two groups: 25 IU BoNT/A (BoNT) or saline solution (Control) was administered IA in each affected joint. All dogs received oral supplements (90 days) and carprofen (15 days). The dogs were assessed by a veterinarian on five occasions and the owner completed an assessment form at the same time (baseline to 90 days). The data were analyzed using unpaired-t test, Fisher’s exact test, analysis of variance and the Tukey’s test (P0.05). There were no differences between groups in the veterinarian and owner assessments. Lower scores were observed in both groups during 90 days after IA therapy in the owner assessments (P0.001). Compared with baseline, the Vet score was lower from 15–90 days after IA injection in the BoNT group, and at 15 and 30 days in the Control group (P0.001). Both treatments were safe and reduced the clinical signs associated with hip osteoarthritis. However, IA BoNT/A (25 IU) did not provide better pain relief than the control treatment.