Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on inflammatory indicators, antioxidant capacity, and joint health in senior dogs.

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive degeneration joint disorder influenced by risk factors, such as genetics, age, and obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) on nutrient digestibility, inflammatory responses, antioxidant capacity, and joint health in senior dogs with OA. Twenty-four dogs over 7&#x2009;years old diagnosed with OA based on radiographic evidence and clinical signs were randomly assigned to 2 groups with 12 replicates per group. The following dietary treatments were administered: 1) CONTROL group: dogs with OA were provided a basal diet; 2) SDAP group: dogs with OA were provided a basal diet supplemented with 4% SDAP replacing chicken meal. The feeding trial lasted 42&#x2009;days. This study found that the total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein was improved in the SDAP group compared to the CONTROL group (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Regarding antioxidant status, serum superoxide dismutase levels were increased, whereas malondialdehyde levels were decreased in the SDAP group compared to the CONTROL group on days 21 and 42 (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). On d 42, serum interleukin-1&#x3b2; and metalloproteinase-13 levels in the SDAP group were significantly decreased compared to the CONTROL group (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), alongside higher levels of serum interleukin-10 in the SDAP group (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Additionally, synovial fluid metalloproteinase-2 levels were significantly reduced in the SDAP group compared to the CONTROL group on day 42 (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Clinically, the lameness scores were significantly reduced in the SDAP group on day 42 relative to the CONTROL group (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), indicating an alleviation of arthritis symptoms in dogs of the SDAP group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 4% SDAP could increase protein digestibility, alleviate inflammatory response, improve antioxidant properties, and relieve canine arthritis symptoms in senior dogs with OA. These findings support SDAP as a promising dietary intervention strategy for managing joint health in senior dogs.