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

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 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 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 < 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 < 0.05). On d 42, serum interleukin-1β and metalloproteinase-13 levels in the SDAP group were significantly decreased compared to the CONTROL group (P < 0.05), alongside higher levels of serum interleukin-10 in the SDAP group (P < 0.05). Additionally, synovial fluid metalloproteinase-2 levels were significantly reduced in the SDAP group compared to the CONTROL group on day 42 (P < 0.05). Clinically, the lameness scores were significantly reduced in the SDAP group on day 42 relative to the CONTROL group (P < 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.