The aim of this study was the assessment of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate association in the therapy of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in dogs. Ten mongrel dogs underwent arthroscopic section of cruciate cranial ligament aiming the development of DJD. Twenty one days after the procedure, surgical substitution of cruciate cranial ligament was carried out in all animals. Then five animals were treated with the combination of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate. The other five dogs were used as controls. Arthroscopical and radiological evaluations of the left fore limb were carried out before arthroscopic section at the some day and 90 days after cruciate cranial ligament substitution. Histologically the effect of the association of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate was more evident in the synovial membrane that had regeneration of the intimal layer and reduced lympho-plasmocitic infiltrate in the sub-intimal layer. However, the treatment did not prevent DJD cartilage lesions evaluated by arthroscopy and radiology.
hyaluronic acid; chondroitin sulphate; degenerative joint disease; dog
