Intramuscular triamcinolone (IMTA) trial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a steroid, triamcinolone (an anti-inflammatory drug), that is injected into the muscle can reduce lameness (i.e. limping) and improve function in dogs affected by joint pain due to osteoarthritis. The product aims to reduce the inflammation of arthritic joints. Steroids have been used in the veterinary world for over 40 years, however, it has not been used this specific way (i.e., into the muscle to treat osteoarthritis). Injections of steroids into the joints have been used for many years with success in humans, horses, and dogs. Steroids have been used systemically (i.e., administered into the muscle or under the skin) for a variety of immune-mediated diseases and skin diseases. We hope to determine if injecting steroids in the muscle instead of into the joint would be similarly beneficial in dogs as this has been found to be promising in humans. Research in humans with hip osteoarthritis observed lasting effects with injections into the muscle for up to 6 months with no downsides compared to injections directly into the joint. The goal of this research is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the product delivered into the muscle.