Management of the articular degenerative disease of the dog: comparison of physical and pharmacological therapies.

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is one of the most common and disabling orthopaedic conditions of pets. The most recent therapeutic approach consists in the combination of different therapeutic options, such as the use of conventional drugs, the use of alternative treatments (i.e. homeopathy, phytotherapy, acupuncture), the oral administration of chondroprotectors (i.e. nutraceuticals), body weight control, rehabilitation and correct home management. This study compared the efficacy on arthritic pain control of a physical therapy protocol, including MLS® treatment and hydrotherapy, versus traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy. Sixteen Labrador dogs, older than 5 years and affected by osteoarthritis have been included in the study. After the baseline visit, the animals matching inclusion criteria have been allocated to one of the treatment groups. The treatment efficacy has been assessed at 15 and 45 days via pet owner’s evaluation, using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), and by the clinical assessment of a technical expert. In both groups, a general improvement in symptoms has been observed, confirming that both physical therapy with MLS® and drug therapy are valuable aids in the management of pain symptoms associated with degenerative joint disease. In particular, for the treatment of ostearthrosis, when long term treatments are necessary, MLS® laser therapy is a valid alternative to pharmacological therapy, allowing for treating old dogs without worsening the condition of other compromised organs.