Effects of a feed supplement, containing undenatured type II collagen (UC II®) and Boswellia Serrata, in the management of mild/moderate mobility disorders in dogs: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study

Marzia Stabile ¹, Laura Fracassi ¹, Luca Lacitignola ¹

⁰Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione e Rigenerativa e Area Jonica (Di.Me.Pre-J), Università Degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari.

Plos One +

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October 30, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study found that a supplement with undenatured type II collagen (UCII®) and Boswellia Serrata improved mobility and reduced pain in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Supplementation also positively influenced joint metabolism.

Area Of Science

Veterinary Medicine
Nutraceuticals
Biochemistry

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in dogs, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
Dietary supplements are increasingly explored for managing OA symptoms in companion animals.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the efficacy of a dietary supplement containing undenatured type II collagen (UCII®) and Boswellia Serrata for canine OA.
To assess the supplement's impact on mobility, pain, and joint metabolism in dogs with mild to moderate OA.

Main Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over trial involving 60 dogs with mobility issues.
17 dogs with mild/moderate OA received either UCII® + Boswellia Serrata or placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout.
Owner questionnaires (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in dogs scale - L.O.A.D.), objective mobility/pain assessments, and synovial fluid metabolomic analysis were employed.

Main Results

The UCII® + Boswellia Serrata group showed improved mobility and reduced pain within 4 weeks, as reported by owners.
Absence of the supplement correlated with increased OA flare-ups and lower pain thresholds.
Synovial fluid metabolomic profiles exhibited moderate changes post-supplementation, particularly with UCII®-BW administration.

Conclusions

Undenatured type II collagen (UCII®) and Boswellia Serrata supplementation offers significant benefits for canine osteoarthritis management.
The supplement positively impacts subjective owner-assessed mobility and pain, and influences joint metabolic profiles.
This combination represents a promising therapeutic option for improving the quality of life in dogs with OA.