Toxina Botulínica Tipo A Intra-Articular como Adjuvante no Controle da Dor em Cães com Displasia Coxofemoral

Abstract

This study aims to determine the efficacy of intra-articular (IA) administration of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) in dogs with signs of chronic pain associated with hip dysplasia. In a double-blind design fourteen dogs were randomized and distributed into two groups: BoNT (n=7): IA injection with 25U (0,5 mL) of botulium toxin; Control (n=7): IA injection with saline solution (0.5 mL). All dogs received conventional treatment with oral and carprofen (2.2 mg/kg, every 12 h, 15 days), and chondroitin sulfate (750-1000 mg, every 12 h, 90 days). The clinical signs of HD were evaluated prior to treatment (baseline), 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after the IA injection by the veterinary using a score system and by the owners with a questionnaire about their dog s condition using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI). The data were analyzed using test unpaired-t, ANOVA, Tukey test (P < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in the scores measured by the veterinary and by the owners (CBPI and HCPI). In comparison over time lower scores were observed in both groups during 90 days from baseline in the researcher evaluation and in the HCPI. The same result was obtained by the CBPI evaluation to the control group whereas for the BoNT group the difference was only observed in the first 60 days after IA injection. Analgesic intervention was not necessary during the evaluation period. Both treatments reduced the clinical signs associated with hip dysplasia, however adjunctive administration of BoNT didn t potentialize the results.