Effects of intra-articular botulinum toxin type A (Botox^®) in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis

Summary

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of intra-articular botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) in dogs with chronic osteo-arthritis.

Methods: Client-owned dogs with lameness and discomfort attributed to unilateral elbow or hip osteoarthritis were eligible for inclusion (n = 5). All dogs had BoNT/A (25 units) administered to the affected joint (2 elbows, 3 hips). Dogs were evaluated by pressure platform gait analysis before and at two, four, eight, and 12 weeks post-injection, and by client perception of outcome.

Results: In experimental limbs, ground reaction forces (peak vertical force and vertical impulse) consistently improved for a variable period of time following intra-articular BoNT/A therapy. These changes were not, however, observed in the contralateral limbs, in which values remained relatively unchanged or decreased. Four out of five owners reported at least some improvement in their dog’s condition following treatment.

Clinical significance: A multimodal approach with the intra-articular administration of BoNT/A may be an option for osteoarthritis patients that are unresponsive to medical management and unable to undergo surgery. However, the findings of this study are preliminary and must be verified by further investigation.

Keywords

Botox^® - botulinum toxin type A - intraarticular injection - osteoarthritis - gait analysis

• References

• 1 Allergan, Inc. Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) [Product information page on internet]. Allergen Inc., Product Information; 2010 [cited 2008 September 6]. Available from http://www.allergan. com/products/neurosciences/botox.htm
• 2 Aoki KR. Evidence for antinociceptive activity of botulinum toxin type A in pain management. Headache 2003; 43 (Suppl. 01) Suppl S9-S15.
• 3 Mahowald ML, Singh JA, Dykstra D. Long term effects of intra-articular botulinum toxin A for refractory joint pain. Neurotox Res 2006; 9: 179-188.
• 4 Lin AT, Yang AH, Chen KK. Effects of botulinum toxin A on the contractile function of dog prostate. Eur Urol 2007; 52: 582-589.
• 5 Mahowald ML, Krug HE, Singh JA. et al. Intra-articular botulinum toxin type A: a new approach to treat arthritis joint pain. Toxicon 2009; 54: 658-667.
• 6 Boon AJ, Smith J, Dahm DL. et al. Efficacy of intraarticular botulinum toxin type-A in painful knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study. PM R 2010; 2: 268-276.