Intra-articular Injection of Ascorbic Acid and Dexamethasone for Management of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects and clinical outcome of intra-articular administration of ascorbic acid and dexamethasone for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Study Design: The study was conducted on 6 clinical cases of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis in hip (n-2) and stifle (n=4). The study was conducted on dogs reported to Madras Veterinary College Teaching hospital as confirmed by clinical examination and x-ray.

Methodology: Ascorbic acid and dexamethasone in phosphate buffer mixture (ADM) was prepared using dexamethasone and ascorbic acid injection (Indian Pharmacopeia) each at the dose of 0.8 to 4 mg and 5 mg/ml concentration in one to two ml of sterile phosphate buffer solution, for intra-articular injection. The mixture was administered intra-articularly through ultrasound guidance. The clinical outcome and benefits were assessed by clinical improvements, x-ray and ultrasound.

Results: Significant improvement could be noticed in all cases after 14th day of administration as evident by clinical, radiographical and ultrasound.

Conclusion: The ascorbic acid-dexamethasone mixture in phosphate buffer solution injected intra-articularly for the management of osteoarthritis had exhibited promising results in the clinical cases and has emerged as an exciting and novel alternative to the conventional management modalities involving the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, chondroprotectives, corticosteroids and surgical procedures.