Effect of ELHLD peptide for stifle function recovery after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs

Patients with arthritis and ruptured cruciate ligaments typically require surgery. Following surgery, it is necessary to improve joint function in early stage.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of intraoperative intra-articular injection of the ELHLD peptide (L-glutamyl-L-leucyl-L-histidyl-L-leucyl-L-aspartic acid) on postoperative stifle function in patients with medial patella luxation grade 3 and osteoarthritis grade 2 undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.

A total of 12 dogs participated, with 6 dogs assigned to the control group and 6 to the ELHLD peptide treatment group. The ELHLD peptide was administered by intra-articular injection to patients, and the following aspects were compared with the control: hindlimb circumference, balance evaluation score (BES), muscle mass, and stifle function score (SFS). These assessments were conducted at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery.

In the treatment group, hindlimb circumference suggested an effect on the recovery stifle function at the 4th and 8th week (p < 0.05) after surgery, and the BES and muscle mass test were effective at 4th week (p < 0.05). In the SFS test, it was effective at 2nd week (p < 0.05).

The use of ELHLD injections is meaningful in that it helps rapid recovery of joint function in the early stages after surgery. This research might improve the satisfaction of the caregiver, and facilitate the overall recovery process in the patient.