A Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study Of BVP-01, A Proprietary Nutraceutical Formulation For The Treatment Of Canine Osteoarthritis

Objectives: To examine the efficacy and safety of a proprietary nutraceutical formulation BVP-01 to manage the clinical signs of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs using a blinded placebo-controlled study. Introduction: Currently, every fifth dog suffers from OA. OA dogs are usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), but because of their serious side effects, nutraceuticals are used as alternative medicine. Methods: Dogs were selected from 5 primary accession clinics in New Zealand, and evaluated for clinical signs of OA. Dogs with mild OA were randomly allocated into three Groups: Group 1, BVP-01, Group 2, Placebo for six weeks followed by BVP-01 for next six weeks; Group 3, BVP-01 and Rimadyl (R). Group 4, severe OA dogs were treated with the same medication protocol as Group 3. The dogs were supplemented for 12 weeks. During weeks 7-12, Groups 2, 3 and 4 received BVP-01. The owners assessed the dogs weekly for pain and activity. At 0, 6 and 12 weeks the dogs were clinically examined and were videoed for subsequent kinematic analysis. Results: Of 74 dogs accepted into the trial, clinical and owner data on 71 dogs and kinematic data on 58 dogs were obtained. Supplementation of dogs with BVP-01 +R (Group 3) resulted in a significant improvement in owner-assessed activity and pain scores at weeks 2 and 3. Supplementation with BVP-01 (Group 1) provided a comparable significant improvement at weeks 9 and 10. Clinical assessment identified that lameness grade was worse in Group 4 at weeks 0, 6 and 12. Groups 1, 2 and 3 had significant improvement in articular pain scores at week 6. Kinematic analysis identified an improvement in limb range of motion at week 12 for Group 3 (p=0.055) and there was a trend for improvement in Group 1 (p=0.079). Conclusions And Clinical Relevance: BVP-01 offers an alternative to NSAIDs for the management of mild OA signs in dogs.