Randomized Clinical Trial to Analyze the Efficacy of an Eggshell Membrane Dietary Supplementation in the Concomitant Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis has become one of the most prevalent conditions that affect joints in dogs. Cartilage degradation and subsequent chronic inflammatory process affect synovial membranes, induce pain and decrease joint functionality. The aim of this research is to study the effects of supplementation with a nutraceutical based on internal egg shell membrane in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis in knee or hip joints. During a consumption period of 10 weeks, efficacy was evaluated in a placebo controlled clinical trial. Bioarth functional scale (BAS) was used to estimate joint functionality. Serum levels of C-telopeptides of type II collagen (CTx-II) were also collected as a biomarker of osteoarthritis. Functional limitation and joint mobility parameters showed an improvement by a decrease of BAS scores, although muscle atrophy showed no differences between any of the groups or periods considered in this study. Sterilization seems to have a higher influence in that parameter, indicating sex and condition as confounding variables. Antalgic postures significantly decreased in treatment group therefore indicating an improvement in the quality of life of subjects. Despite the fact that biomarker CTx-II has been used frequently in evaluation of cartilage degradation, no significant differences were observed in this study, although individual analysis revealed a greater reduction in a higher percentage of dogs from the treatment group. Osteoarthritis is a long-term disease, often frustrating for both veterinaries and owners. ESM could become a safe, effective alternative for chronic, long-term management of osteoarthritis in dogs.