ABSTRACT
In dogs in which the CCL was transected, concentrations of col la genase in the cartilage of PSGAG-treated dogs were less than in untreated dogs. Admin is tration of PSGAGs has also been shown to decrease active neutral metalloproteinase con cen - trations in cartilage following partial medial meniscectomy. In a double-blind clinical trial including 40 dogs with osteoarthritis, weekly subcutaneous administration of PSGAGs (3 mg/kg) for four weeks resulted in a favorable response over placebo treat - ment in regard to lameness, body condition, pain on joint manipulation and willingness to exercise. ii. PSGAGs cross the synovial membrane after subcutaneous and intramuscular injec - tion and accumulate in articular cartilage, menisci and ligaments. The highly negatively charged PSGAGs accumulate preferentially in damaged or inflammed joints. Sub - cutaneous and intramuscular injection also avoids the risk of hema rthrosis. Intraarticu lar injection of PSGAGs lowers the minimum number of bacterial organisms needed to establish infection in a joint and has been associated with septic arthritis in horses.
