Pulsed electromagnetic fields vs NSAID therapy in canine osteoarthritis: A randomised comparative pilot study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are standard for canine osteoarthritis (OA) but have safety concerns.
• Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is explored as a non-pharmacological alternative for OA pain and inflammation.
• Veterinary evidence for PEMF therapy in canine OA is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy of PEMF therapy against NSAID treatment (Mavacoxib) in dogs with confirmed OA.
• To evaluate the non-inferiority of PEMF therapy to NSAIDs in managing canine osteoarthritis.
• To explore PEMF therapy's potential role in multimodal OA management strategies.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled pilot study involving 16 dogs with diagnosed canine OA.
• Dogs received either a 12-session PEMF protocol over 45 days or a standard Mavacoxib regimen.
• Clinical assessments included pain scores, lameness, gait analysis, muscle circumference, and radiographic evaluation at baseline, 30, and 60 days.

Main Results:

• PEMF therapy demonstrated earlier improvements in pain, lameness, and muscle mass compared to the Mavacoxib group.
• A favorable trend towards improved joint mobility was observed with PEMF therapy.
• No significant differences were found between PEMF and NSAID groups in gait parameters or radiographic progression.

Conclusions:

• PEMF therapy appears non-inferior to NSAIDs for canine OA management.
• PEMF therapy may offer earlier symptomatic relief and presents a viable option for multimodal OA treatment.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.