Research Article: Effectiveness of a mesotherapy protocol vs. an epidural injection of platelet-rich plasma or methylprednisolone in degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in dogs – a retrospective study
Abstract:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an intradermal mesotherapy protocol, an intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and an epidural injection of methylprednisolone in managing degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in dogs.
Retrospective study.
55 dogs.
The animals were divided into three treatment groups: a mesotherapy group (MG, n = 30) treated with a combination of lidocaine, dexamethasone, and midazolam; a PRP group (PRPG, n = 15) treated with epidural PRP; and a methylprednisolone group (MPG, n = 10) treated with epidural methylprednisolone acetate. All treatments consisted of two sessions spaced 15 days apart. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) before treatment and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days post-treatment. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to check for data normality. Group comparisons at each time point were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis H test, followed by Dunn's post-hoc test, p < 0.05. Kaplan–Meier estimators were used to create time-to-event probabilities and curves.
All treatments produced clinically significant improvements. The MG and PRPG produced significant improvements in Pain Severity Scores (PSS) and Pain Interference Scores (PIS) scores up to +90d, but only the PRPG maintained these improvements up to +120d ( p = 0.03). All groups produced similar results in general gait up to 120 days. No side effects were recorded for any of the treatments.
All three treatments are good options that can be effective, with PRP being the most advantageous, in terms of clinical improvement and duration of effect.
Introduction:
Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) is a multifactorial acquired condition, characterized by the narrowing of the vertebral canal and/or intervertebral foramina, which may cause compression of the cauda equina and the nerve roots ( 1 ). This compression usually causes back pain and, ultimately, neurological deficits. This disease is most common in large breeds, with the German Shepherd dog (GSD) being the most affected breed, and working dogs, with greater incidence on males ( 1 ). Patients suffering from DLS…
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