Evaluation of intra-muscular injection of triamcinolone on naturally occurring osteoarthritis-associated pain in dogs (IMTA)

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 six 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. We hope this method, which does not require sedation, will improve your dog’s quality of life. It is possible that the product may cause temporary soreness and that there may be no long-term benefit for your pet. It is also possible that some side effects, such as increased thirst, urination, and appetite, will occur transiently as is typical of patients receiving oral steroids. Other side effects, such as worsening of any undetected conditions, lameness or any other joint problems are possible, but unlikely. All visits/treatments will be provided free of charge. Your dog will need to be returned to the CSU VTH for a total of five visits for data collection and would only undergo sedation if X-rays are required. The follow-up period is six months.

We are using different data collected at each visit to evaluate and rate your dog’s pain and ability to walk. This will include walking your dog on a pressure sensitive walkway, allowing us to see if there is a measurable improvement in weight bearing/lameness with treatment. We will also use an activity monitor collar to see if there is improvement in mobility; these collars will need to be on for the duration of the study period. We are recruiting dogs that have a consistent lameness due to osteoarthritis. The study involves your dog undergoing additional diagnostic tests, including X-rays and blood draws, and receiving steroid injections into the muscle. Prior medications and treatments (i.e., physical therapy, nutraceuticals, etc.) are to be continued consistently during the duration of the study. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as carprofen/Rimadyl, meloxicam, Deramaxx, etc, may need to be discontinued for a period surrounding injection of the treatment product.