Evaluation of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs.
de Haan JJ; Goring RL; Beale BS
Abstract
A double-blinded, controlled clinical study was performed to compare the response of adult dogs affected with hip
dysplasia to a placebo and three different dosages of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG): 2.2 mg/kg, 4.4
mg/kg, and 8.8 mg/kg. Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment groups. The drug was administered intramuscularly
every 3 to 5 days for a total of eight injections. Response to treatment was analyzed based on changes in lameness, range
of motion (ROM), and pain on manipulation of the hip joints. Evaluation for adverse reactions included complete blood
cell (CBC) count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and physical examination. Data were collected on a total of
111 dogs. Eighty-four met all criteria for inclusion in the study. Dogs that were given 4.4 mg/kg of PSGAG showed the
greatest improvement in orthopedic scores, whereas dogs in the placebo group showed the smallest improvement;
however, the differences in clinical improvement between the four treatment groups were not statistically significant. No
local or systemic adverse reactions related to the drug were observed.