Elk Velvet Antler
Elk Velvet Antler (EVA) is the term used for Elk Antler that is harvested in the velvet stage of growth, when the antler contains the most nutritional value. Many countries have produced velvet antler for preparation in traditional oriental medicines: New Zealand, Asian and European velvet antler farming has existed for more than 2000 years.
In addition to regenerative effects on joint cartilage and joint fluid, EVA also has a positive effect on dogs’ immune systems. Other positive effects are improved hair coat, kidney function, reproductive function and accelerated wound healing.
The Scientific Proof
The following study was published in the February 2004 issue of the Canadian Veterinary Journal Volume 45 – pages 133 – 139. For the complete study please visit their website at:http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=548602
Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs;
Maxim Moreau, Jacques Dupuis, Norbert H Bonneau, Manon Lecuyer
Companion animal research group,
Faculte de medecine veterinaire,
Universite de Montreal
P.O. Box 5000,
St-Hyacinthe,
Quebec J2S 7C6Introduction
The purpose of this study was to scientifically evaluate the health benefits of quality elk velvet antler (EVA) by administering it to dogs afflicted with osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthrosis (OA) is a common and painful musculoskeletal condition in dogs, often secondary to structural abnormalities, such as hip or elbow dysplasia or ligament injury. It is characterized by erosion or articular surfaces, bone sclerosis, and osteophyte production, leading to pain, joint stiffness, and muscular atrophy. Velvet antler refers to elk or deer antlers harvested in the velvet stage of growth. EVA powder is prepared from the inner cartilaginous matrix following drying and removal of the velvet covering. Velvet antler contains minerals and trace elements, growth hormones and growth factors, protein, collagen, lipids and glycolsaminoglycans including chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate. Velvet antler has been demonstrated to exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect in a rodent model of inflammation. The recommended dosage of EVA is 15 – 20 mgs per kg of body weight once or twice per day.
Materials and Methods
Dogs weighing more than 20 kg and older than 18 months with radiographic evidence of OA in one or more joints and clinical signs confirmed by an orthopedic examination were included in the study. The dogs were recruited from the medical files of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universite de Montreal. The owners were asked to complete an assessment of daily activities of their dogs to generate a score of activity performances. The gait of each dog was analyzed by use of a biomechanical force plate in a 10 m runway connected to a computer to measure the ground reaction force (GRF) for the most severely affected joint. The surgeon’s assessment of the walking gait, posture, mobility, muscular atrophy, joint paint and visual appreciation was converted to numerical scores. Radiographic evaluation of elbows, hips and stifles was performed under routine sedation for all dogs and was also assigned a numerical score.
Study Protocol
A double-blind and placebo-controlled study design was used. Forty-five dogs with OA were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. Thirteen dogs were used in the placebo-EVA group where they received a placebo for 30 days and then were given EVA for the next 60 days. The EVA groups included 25 dogs, which received EVA for 60 days. Dogs between 20 and 39.9 kg, 40 to 59.9 kg and 60 – 79.9 kg received 2, 3 and 4 capsules of EVA respectively by mouth every 12 hours. Each scoop of EVA contained 280 mgs of powdered elk antler. Gait analysis, GRF analysis and daily activity assessments were performed at 0, after 30 days of the placebo and/or 60 days of the EVA.
Results
Age, weight, GRF, duration of clinical signs, radiographic findings and assessment scores were not significantly different between the groups as the start of the trial. After 30 days of treatment with placebo, GRF and gait analysis and activity assessment scores were not significantly different from day 0. However, following 60 days of treatment with EVA, the GRF analyses were significantly improved compared to pre-treatment results and significantly exceeded the results obtained for dogs on placebo. Owner’s assessments of daily activities were significantly improved compared to both pre-treatment scores and the group receiving the placebo.
The selected hematological and biochemical parameters revealed no evidence of abnormalities of clinical relevance following administration of placebo or EVA and the owners reported no side effects related to their administration.
Seven dogs did not complete the study. Four were withdrawn for various reasons, including pregnancy, owner’s change of mind, chronic diarrhea and a dermatological condition requiring corticosteriod therapy. Three dogs died during the course of the study, two from chronic adrenal atrophy and one from hemangiosarcoma. The investigations submitted the medication used for two of the dogs for adrenal atrophy to an independent laboratory to screen for 20 potential pesticides. Gas chromatograph analysis showed no detectable traces of any pesticides. Further, 5 dogs which had received EVA during the study were tested for adrenal function. The results indicated normal adrenal function in these dogs. Based on these findings, these deaths were considered to be unrelated to EVA treatment.
Conclusions
The authors concluded that the administration of EVA was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs. They further stated that consideration should be given to the use of EVA in the treatment of canine OA. Although EVA contains chondroitin sulfate, the authors, in a previous study, were unable to demonstrate significant gait improvement with chondroitin sulfate in greater amounts than the raw material administered in this study. They observed that administration of EVA resulted in a significant reduction of muscle atrophy, suggesting a myotrophic effect for velvet antler.
Summary written by: Terry L. Church, BSc, DVM, MSc.