Case Report on the Efficacy of Perna canaliculus, Curcuma longa and Ribes nigrum (Synopet©) Supplementation in a 11-Year-Old Canine with Moderate Osteoarthritis

Abstract

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis is a condition that is characterised by the degeneration of articular cartilage due to inflammation. The nutraceutical Synopet© contains the active anti-inflammatory substances Perna canaliculus, Curcuma longa and Ribes nigrum. The aim of this case report is to describe the efficacy of Synopet© in an adult canine with moderate osteoarthritis, to substantiate why further extensive research is necessary. METHODS A 11-year old client-owned adult dog with moderate osteoarthritis was included in this trial. Following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design, the dog was evaluated before its washout period and before and after the two treatment periods (week -2, 0, 4 and 10) using the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI), Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool (COAST) and Force Plate Gate Analysis (FPGA). RESULTS Striking is the exacerbation of right hindlimb lameness detected by FPGA after the washout period, followed by an improvement of the patient’s lameness after receiving Synopet©. This improvement continued during the second period in which the subject received a placebo. HCPI and COAST showed no distinct changes. DISCUSSION The hindlimb lameness of the patient improved after Synopet© supplementation and continued during the second period, demonstrating a possible long lasting positive effect of Synopet©. CONCLUSION The positive effect of Synopet© administration on lameness in a dog with moderate osteoarthritis demonstrated with FPGA is promising. Further research is necessary to acquire significant evidence for the efficacy of Synopet© supplementation in dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.