MAF study finds tramadol ineffective against osteoarthritis in dogsMay 9, 2018 A report funded by the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) out of the University of Georgia has found tramadol to be ineffective in alleviating signs of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. "The data shows conclusively that tramadol is not an effective drug in treating the pain associated with arthritis in the dog, despite its common recommendation," said Steven Budsberg, DVM, BS, MS, DACVS, professor of surgery/director of clinical research at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. "This use of tramadol is a classic example of failing to acknowledge and control for bias when evaluating a potential treatment." The reported data was collected by Dr. Budsberg and his research team via a randomized, blinded, placebo, and positive-controlled crossover study. The group compared tramadol against both placebo and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with dogs afflicted with osteoarthritis of the elbow or knee assigned to receive each of three treatments in a random order and each treatment arm lasting for 10 days. Improvement was measured using a variety of tests to evaluate the patient's gait and pain. The results showed no improvement when tramadol was administered compared to either baseline or placebo. "This study reinforces the need to carefully and …
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CE explores expanded treatment options for improving mobility in geriatric petsSeptember 19, 2017Companion Animal Health has opened enrollment for an educational course that the company said is "designed specifically to give general veterinary practices access to the tools required to meet the need for expanded osteoarthritis treatment options in companion animals" and "will equip practices with the practical knowledge of the best multimodal approaches for successfully managing the geriatric, arthritic, and obese dog and/or cat." Attendees will earn 11 continuing education credits, with the option of adding a regenerative medicine wet-lab to advance their expertise (for an additional four CE credits). A panel of speakers will educate attendees on the following topics: Nutritional Management for the Geriatric Dog or Cat Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy) for OA Nutriceutical Use for the Geriatric, Arthritic Pet Pharmacologic Management of OA Business & Marketing Strategies "We took a look at what courses were being offered in our profession currently, and there weren't really any that combined more than one or two OA treatment options," said Lisa Miller, DVM, CCRT, CVA. "This disease responds best to a multimodal approach, so we designed a course to accommodate that need." Veterinary professionals interested in attending this course can find more information on dates, …
How to keep pet joint pain at bayMay 1, 2017Owners often bring their pets to their veterinarian when they notice their companions are no longer as active as they once were. These dogs and cats often overweight by the time they present to their veterinarian. If the diagnosis is osteoarthritis, the goal is to prevent any ongoing discomfort for pets. Often, owners ask if there was anything that could have been done to prevent it.
