Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-mlc7c Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-10T12:36:25.908Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of SteadfastTM Joint Supplement in captive exotic felids (Arabian leopard and cheetah)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2015

Jane Budd ,
Ellen S. Dierenfeld  and
Katherine Whitehouse-Tedd
Jane Budd
Affiliation:
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, P.O.Box 29922 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Ellen S. Dierenfeld
Affiliation:
Ellen S. Dierenfeld LLC, Animal Nutrition Consultant, St. Louis, USA Novus International Inc., St. Charles, Missouri, USA
Katherine Whitehouse-Tedd*
Affiliation:
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, P.O.Box 29922 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Nottingham Trent University, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK
*
*corresponding author:katherine.whitehousetedd@ntu.ac.uk
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

Feline degenerative joint disease causes pain and disability and therefore represents a welfare concern for captive animals. Alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical therapies are gaining popularity and this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an egg-shell membrane therapy in captive cheetahs and leopards. Seven animals were treated with SteadfastTM and monitored for radiographic changes (n = 6) and lameness score (n = 7) over a 42 day period. A reduction in lameness was determined over the course of the study (p = 0.01), and improved orthopaedic status detected in 50% (3/6) of animals via radiographic examination. Surprisingly, a negative dose response was detected, whereby animals receiving lower doses exhibited the most marked changes in lameness score. Despite the small sample size and subjective scoring of lameness, this preliminary study demonstrates the need for further investigation into the use of an eggshell membrane-based supplement to improve mobility in captive felids with degenerative joint disease.

Keywords

Cheetahegg-shell membranejoint healthlamenessleopardmobility
Type
Pilot Study
Information
Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition , Volume 3 , 2015 , e5
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition Ltd. 2015 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bauer, K.L., Dierenfeld, E.S., and Hartup, B.K. (2014) Evaluation of a nutraceutical joint supplement in cranes. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop, volume 12, Grand Island, Nebraska USA, pp 27–32.Google Scholar
Dierenfeld, E.S., Baum, D., Hampe, L., Jensen, J., Atwell, C., and Wedekind, K. (2014) Evaluation of a nutraceutical joint supplement in camels (Camelus species). Journal of American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association 36 (Summer): 59–66.Google Scholar
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. (2008) EAZA Minimum Standards for the Accommodation and Care of Animals in Zoos and Aquaria. Amsterdam, the Netherlands.Google Scholar
Gowan, R.A., Lingard, A.E., Johnston, L., Stansen, W., Brown, S.A., and Malik, R. (2011) Retrospective case-control study of the effects of long-term dosing with meloxicam on renal function in aged cats with degenerative joint disease. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 13(10):752–761.Google Scholar
Lascelles, B.D.X., DePuy, V., Thomson, A., Hansen, B., Marcellin-Little, D.J., Biourge, V., and Bauer, J.E. (2010) Evaluation of a therapeutic diet for feline degenerative joint disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 24: 487–495.Google Scholar
Rothschild, B.M., Rothschild, C., Woods, R.J. (1998) Inflammatory arthritis in large cats: an expanded spectrum of spondyloarthropathy. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 29(3): 279–284.Google Scholar
Ruff, K.J., DeVore, D.P. (2014) Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats following 7-day oral supplementation with a proprietary eggshell membrane-derived product. Modern Research in Inflammation 3: 19–25.Google Scholar