Chez le chien souffrant d'arthrose, quels sont les effets de l'injection intra-articulaire d'acide hyaluronique comparés à ceux du carprofène en termes de pharmacodynamie, de conséquences sur le cartilage et d'efficacité analgésique ?

Abstract

Carprofen inhibits certain pro-inflammatory genes and stimulates the in vitro production of glycosaminoglycans. However, it has chondrotoxicity that depends on its intra-articular concentration. Hyaluronic acid increases intra-articular viscosity and has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. It preserves arthritic chondrocytes without affecting healthy ones. Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid is more effective at reducing pain and lameness than carprofen, although guidelines on viscosupplementation are unclear. Nonetheless, carprofen remains preferred for treating osteoarthritis due to its rare side effects and analgesic efficacy. The administration of intra-articular hyaluronic acid requires anesthesia for each injection and is not commercially available for dogs in Belgium, although the therapeutic cascade can be applied. In conclusion, while both treatments alleviate osteoarthritis pain, it is important to consider their respective advantages and disadvantages.