Osteoarthritis can be called the oldest known disease. The first example was preserved in the spine of a 100-million-year-old Comanchean dinosaur. Around that same time, give or take a few million years, the first example of polyarthritis was saved in the remains of a Mesozoic Platecarpus. All the joints in the left hallux of this reptile were deformed by osteoarthritis. Based on microscopic investigations of these samples, this disease has not changed its pathologic characteristics in spite of the extraordinary changes in its animal hosts during this time. It appears to be a solid, immutable part of life that is oblivious to evolution. It is a stretch then to suggest that a cure for osteoarthritis is “just around the corner,” but recent advances have made significant inroads into attacking the underlying pathophysiology. In this issue, Dr. Tamara Grubb reviews some of the therapies that have recently become available for canine osteoarthritis. One of the most interesting new therapies discussed is 117mSn, a radioisotope of a heavy metal first used back in 3500 BC, which may now be used as a radiosynoviorthesis agent in canine elbows and could be beneficial for up to 12 months following a single outpatient intra-articular injection. This treatment approach has been used successfully for decades in people in Europe. As its use in veterinary medicine is relatively new, it seems appropriate to be cautious about its safety and success for our patients. Read Dr. Grubb’s article to learn more about this treatment and others that show promise in improving joint function, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life for our faithful friends.
What We’re Reading
In each issue, a member of our Editorial Advisory Board will share a recent open access publication, including their key takeaways and its practical conclusion.
Effective Treatment of Canine Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Variants With Oclacitinib: Seven Cases
Harvey RG, Olivrī A, Lima T, Olivry T
https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13128
WHAT WAS INVESTIGATED?
Oclacitinib (0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg q12h for 14 days and then q24h thereafter), a Janus kinase inhibitor, has been approved to control atopic and allergic dermatitis in dogs. Currently, no specific drugs are approved for the treatment of canine cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) in humans or dogs. This off-label study investigated oral oclacitinib monotherapy as a potential treatment for 7 dogs with chronic CLE variants.
WHAT WAS FOUND?
- Oclacitinib was administered at the induction dosage of 0.45 mg/kg q12h to 1.8 mg/kg q24h.
- A complete remission of all lesions was obtained in 6 out of 7 dogs.
- First visible improvements were seen within 2 to 3 weeks, while complete remission was seen around 2 months.
- Clinical adverse effects were not observed and hematologic parameters remained within the reference range during the study.
TAKE-HOME POINTS
- Oclacitinib monotherapy was successfully used for the treatment of chronic CLE variants in this study.
- In the dogs receiving oclacitinib for chronic CLE, the onset of skin lesion improvement was very rapid.
- Dosages of oclacitinib for chronic CLE therapy were off-label (higher) than for canine atopic dermatitis.
- Blood count monitoring is needed with use of off-label oral oclacitinib.
— Frane Banovic, DVM, PhD, DECVD