A medicinal herb-based natural health product improves the condition of a canine natural osteoarthritis model: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract An oral herb-based natural health product (NHP) was evaluated in the canine natural osteoarthritis model. At baseline, the peak vertical force (PVF, primary endpoint) and case-specific outcome measure of disability (CSOM) were recorded in privately-owned dogs. Dogs (16/group) were randomized to receive NHP formulations or a negative control. The PVF was measured at week (W) 4 and W8. Daily locomotor activity was recorded using accelerometer. The CSOMs were assessed bi-weekly by the owner. The NHP-treated dogs ( n  = 13) had higher PVF at W4 ( p  = 0.020) and W8 ( p  0.001) when compared to baseline. The changes at W8 were higher than control dogs ( n  = 14, p  0.027) and consistent with Cohen's d effect size of 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.0–1.5). The NHP-treated dogs had higher locomotor activity at W8 ( p  = 0.025) when compared to baseline. No significant change was observed for the CSOM. The NHP improved the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in this model.