Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, and painful disease affecting a significant number of dogs, with up to 80 percent prevalence in older canines (1). Traditional treatments often focus on managing pain but come with potential side effects, which is why more studies are examining the benefits of nutritional supplements like PETAGILE^® Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®). These supplements offer a promising alternative for supporting joint health without adverse effects.

Treatment options for Canine OA

OA in dogs typically presents as stiffness, lameness, and an unwillingness to exercise, jump, or climb (2). As the disease progresses, it leads to loss of cartilage within the synovial joints, subchondral sclerosis, synovitis, and thickening of the joint capsule (3). While non-surgical pain management approaches can alleviate symptoms, they do not address the root cause. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but they are associated with gastrointestinal issues, renal failure, lethargy, and, in severe cases, even death (4).

To explore alternative treatment options, a recent study assessed the efficacy of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®), specifically PETAGILE^®, in the management of canine OA.

Study Overview

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at the veterinary university (LMU) Munich, Germany, involved 31 adult dogs diagnosed with OA. The dogs were given PETAGILE^®, a combination of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E (n3FA), or a placebo over 12 weeks (5). Gait analysis was performed at baseline and after the supplementation period to assess changes in mobility. The results demonstrated significant improvements in gait parameters, including peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impact, in dogs treated with PETAGILE^®.

Interestingly, PETAGILE^® outperformed the n3FA and placebo groups. The dogs receiving PETAGILE^® showed marked improvements in PVF and the standing phase, which highlighted a reduction in OA symptoms and improved mobility. In contrast, the placebo group exhibited a decline in gait parameters, and the n3FA group showed no significant differences between baseline and post-treatment analysis.

Additional Insights from New Research

Oral supplementation with PETAGILE^® for just 12 weeks has now been proven to significantly improve OA symptoms in dogs. This effect surpasses that of Omega-3 FA and Vitamin E, which is currently the only legally approved nutritional strategy for OA improvement in dogs. The study, published in PLOS One, involved veterinarians diagnosing dogs with OA and demonstrated through objective gait analysis that PETAGILE^® offers superior efficacy as a non-invasive, safe treatment option for managing OA.

The results of the study clearly indicate that PETAGILE^® supplementation does not merely halt the progression of canine OA but also enhances mobility and reduces clinical signs, making it a compelling alternative to traditional pharmacological therapies. With such promising outcomes, PETAGILE^® stands as a holistic solution for joint health that could potentially be beneficial across other species as well.

Promising outcomes

The study findings affirm the potential of PETAGILE^® as a comprehensive treatment approach for dogs with OA. By relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression, PETAGILE^® offers a safer, non-invasive option for improving joint health. "The study highlights the potential of our specific PETAGILE^® collagen peptides to help manage osteoarthritis in dogs. We now look forward to further studies exploring ways to improve the well-being of our beloved companions," says Dr. Jutta Hugenberg, Senior Life Science Manager at GELITA.

PETAGILE^® is a promising solution for pet owners seeking effective and safe ways to manage OA symptoms in their dogs. If you would like to know more, our team of experts is available to answer your questions and help you on the journey to improved pet health.

If you would like to know more about PETAGILE^®, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions and guide you on your journey to better pet health.

References

(1) Johnson, K.A., Lee, A.H., and Swanson, K.S. (2020). Nutrition and nutraceuticals in the changing management of osteoarthritis for dogs and cats. JAVMA, VOL 256, NO. 12, 1335-134.

(2) Pettitt, R.A. and German, A.J. (2015). Investigation and management of canine osteoarthritis. In Practice, 37, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1136/inp.h5763

(3) Martinek, V. (2003). Anatomie und Physiologie des hyalinen Knorpels. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 54(6), 166-170.

(4) Belshaw, Z., Asher, L., and Dean, R.S. (2016). The Attitudes of Owners and Veterinary Professionals in the United Kingdom to the Risk of Adverse Events Associated with Using Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to Treat Dogs with Osteoarthritis. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 131, 121-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.07.017

(5) Dobenecker B, Böswald LF, Reese S, Steigmeier-Raith S, Trillig L, Oesser S, et al. (2024). The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP) improves gait and quality of life in canine osteoarthritis patients—A translational large animal model for a nutritional therapy option. PLoS ONE, 19(9): e0308378. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308378