Evaluation of the Effects of Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) as Compared to Robenacoxib on the Mobility Impairment Induced by Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that requires a multimodal therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) as compared to robenacoxib in dogs affected by OA. Our hypothesis was that the two compounds would be similar (non-inferiority) in improving mobility. To test this hypothesis, a complete orthopedic examination, x-ray and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) survey were performed in dogs affected by OA before and after the treatments. The study was designed as a clinical, randomized, controlled and prospective study. Sixty client-owned dogs were randomized in the R group (n = 30, robenacoxib 1 mg/kg/day for 30 days) and in the UC-II group (n = 30, UC-II 1 tablet/day for 30 days). Thirty days after the beginning of the treatment (T30), the dogs were reassessed for the LOAD, MOBILITY and CLINICAL scores. Based on the data obtained from the study, a significant reduction in LOAD and MOBILITY scores was recorded between T0 and T30 with a similar magnitude among the two groups (R = 31.5%, p < 0.001; UC-II = 32.7%, p = 0.013). The results of this study showed that UC-II and robenacoxib were able to similarly improve mobility of dogs affected by OA.

Undenatured Type II Collagen Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses and Articular Cartilage Damage in the Rat Model of Osteoarthritis

“…In the present study, UC-II supplementation improved gait stability, as previously reported (23). The reduction of the claudication severity observed with UC-II supplementation in dogs proves these results (24). The chondrocyte cell death leads to cartilage deterioration, joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis, the formation of bone osteophytes (bony outgrowths), and eventually deformity of bone ends (25).…”

“…In the present study, UC-II supplementation improved gait stability, as previously reported ( 23 ). The reduction of the claudication severity observed with UC-II supplementation in dogs proves these results ( 24 ).…”

Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals

“…Another water-soluble UC-II form also exhibited similar noteworthy efficiency in relieving pain and inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis in mice, as well as moderately arthritic dogs after 150 days of supplementation with 10 mg of dosage when compared to control dogs [98,99]. In a clinical, randomized, controlled, and prospective study [79], 60 client-owned dogs were randomly allocated to the R group (n = 30, robenacoxib 1 mg/kg/day) and the UC-II group (UC-II 1 tablet (40 mg)/day) for a 30 days study. Based on the data obtained from the study, there was a significant reduction in the Liverpool osteoarthritis in dogs (LOAD) and mobility scores among T0 and T30 of similar size between the two groups (R = 31.5%, UC-II = 32.7%).…”

Undenatured type II collagen mitigates inflammation and cartilage degeneration in healthy Labrador Retrievers during an exercise regimen

“…Previous experiments have evaluated the efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in known arthritic dogs ( Deparle et al, 2005 ) and in dogs with temporary mobility impairment ( Stabile et al, 2019 ). In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of undenatured type II collagen in healthy Labrador Retrievers, this experiment used an endurance exercise model to induce inflammation and cartilage turnover.…”