The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Crominex 3+ (a complex of trivalent chromium, Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) extract and purified Shilajit) in moderately arthritic dogs. Eleven client-owned moderately arthritic dogs in a randomized double-blinded study received placebo or Crominex 3+ twice daily for a period of 150 days. On a monthly basis, each dog was evaluated for arthritis associated pain (overall pain, pain upon limb manipulation and pain after physical exertion) and a full physical exam (body weight, body temperature and heart rate). At the same time intervals, dogs serum samples were examined for biomarkers of kidney (BUN and creatinine), liver (bilirubin, ALT and AST) and heart and skeletal muscle (CK) functions. Findings of this investigation revealed that dogs receiving Crominex 3+ (1000 µg chromium, 15 mg Amla extract and 15 mg purified Shilajit per day in two divided doses) exhibited a significant (P<0.05) reduction in arthritic pain noted as early as after 90 days with a maximum reduction after 150 days of treatment. Pain level remained the same or slightly increased in the dogs receiving placebo. No significant change occurred in physical parameters or serum biomarkers in dogs on placebo or Crominex 3+, which suggested that Crominex 3+ was well tolerated by arthritic dogs. In conclusion, Crominex 3+ significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated arthritic pain and improved quality of life without causing any untoward effects in moderately arthritic dogs. [3][4][5]. OA is an inflammatory joint disease characterized by chronic and progressive cartilage degeneration, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis, hypertrophy of bone at the margins and changes in the synovial membrane, which eventually results in decreased stability, movement, loading, stiffness of joints, lameness and pain [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].
Introduction
Anti-Arthritic EfficacyIn the early stages of OA, a progressive depletion of the cartilage proteoglycan leads to a net loss of matrix from the cartilage [16,17]. Breakdown and deterioration of the cartilage have been correlated with increased activities of certain enzymes including the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). The increased cartilage lesions in OA have also been correlated with the enhanced levels of 14,16]. These cascading events lead to increased friction and inflammation in the joints. To date, there are no serum, urinary or synovial biomarkers that are specific and validated for OA [18].Common signs and symptoms associated with OA in dogs include limping, immobility, stiffness of joints, crepitus, periarticular swelling, palpable effusion, pain upon manipulation of the joint and lameness [10,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. The diagnosis of OA in canine patients is based upon history, physical exam and radiographic evidence. Finally, MRI findings reveal the changes of joint and cartilage degeneration consistent with OA [26][27][28][29][30].Canines with OA are treated with multipronged approaches, involving i...
