Hip denervation and Epiitalis oil for dog hip dysplasia pain relief

Abstract

Background: Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic disorder in dogs, particularly affecting large breeds and leads to progressive joint laxity and osteoarthritis. Pain arises from capsular stretching, periosteal irritation and muscular strain, resulting in lameness and impaired mobility. Management includes both surgical and non-surgical approaches; however, many provide only temporary relief. Hip denervation offers pain reduction by eliminating nociceptive input from the craniodorsal hip capsule, thereby improving comfort and limb function. Epiitalis oil, a plant-derived anti-inflammatory compound, enhances chondrocyte viability and reduces inflammatory mediators, making it a promising adjunct therapy for hip dysplasia. Methods: The present study was conducted on eighteen clinical cases of moderate hip dysplasia to evaluate the efficacy of hip denervation and Epiitalis oil in management. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups (A, B and C; n=10 each). The group A received Epiitalis oil orally at 4 μL/kg for 10 days, the group B underwent surgical denervation of the craniodorsal surface of the hip; and the group C received both denervation and Epiitalis oil orally at 4 μL/kg for 10 days. Treatment efficacy was assessed using clinico-physiological and radiological parameters. Result: Physiological parameters remained within normal ranges and showed non-significant inter- and intra-group variations. Scores of various physical tests, including weight bearing, gait analysis, hind limb extension test, bipedal station test, hip function test and Ortolani’s test, decreased progressively over time, indicating functional recovery. Weight-bearing scores decreased in all groups, with significant reductions observed in Groups B and C at multiple intervals compared to baseline. Gait scores improved significantly from day 15 in Group C and by day 45 in Group B. Ortolani test scores decreased progressively in Groups B and C, becoming significant after day 30. Radiographic scores showed non-significant improvement at different intervals compared to baseline values. Hip denervation is a simple, safe and effective technique for the management of mild to moderate hip dysplasia. However, combined treatment with hip denervation and oral Epiitalis oil was the most effective, demonstrating earlier and greater functional improvement compared to hip denervation or oral Epiitalis oil alone.