Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs.

A powder of quality elk velvet antler (QEVA) was evaluated on client-owned dogs with osteoarthrosis (OA) in a clinical, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Thirteen dogs received a placebo for 30 days and then QEVA for 60 days. Twenty-five other dogs received QEVA for 60 days. Gait analysis measured with a force plate, clinical signs assessed by an orthopedic surgeon, performances in daily life activities and vitality assessed by the owners, and complete blood analyses were obtained at days 0, after 30 days of placebo and/or 60 days of QEVA. On placebo, the 13 dogs did not show significant improvement (P < 0.05); however, their gait, their performances in daily life activities, and their vitality were significantly improved on QEVA, based on changes in values exceeding those observed when placebo was administered. The 25 dogs on QEVA for 60 days showed similar improvements. No clinical changes were revealed on blood analyses. Administration of QEVA was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs.