Orthopedic injuries in dogs can lead to disuse muscle atrophy, a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass and strength. Activity restriction is often part of the recovery process, exacerbating the risk of muscle loss. But now, a groundbreaking supplement called Fortetropin® is offering hope for dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery.
A Solution for Disuse Muscle Atrophy
The tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a common orthopedic surgery used to stabilize cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles in dogs. However, disuse muscle atrophy is a documented consequence of this procedure, due to enforced activity restriction [15]. In a recent study, researchers explored the use of Fortetropin® supplementation as a means to reverse or inhibit muscle atrophy in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease who underwent TPLO surgery [12,13].
The results were promising. Dogs that received Fortetropin® supplementation showed a positive change in thigh circumference compared to those who received a placebo. Additionally, both groups experienced increases in percent weight bearing during the period of forced activity restriction, with the Fortetropin® group showing a significant difference (P = 0.10) [16,17].
The Role of Fortetropin®
One of the key factors in preventing disuse muscle atrophy is the regulation of serum myostatin levels. Myostatin is a protein that controls muscle growth and development. During periods of immobilization or exercise restriction, serum myostatin levels rise, leading to muscle loss [18].
In the study, dogs treated with Fortetropin® showed no significant change in serum myostatin levels during the period of forced exercise restriction. On the other hand, the placebo group experienced a significant increase in serum myostatin levels [18]. This suggests that Fortetropin® plays a critical role in minimizing muscle atrophy by preventing the rise in serum myostatin levels.
Thigh Circumference vs Ultrasound Measurements
Thigh circumference is an important indicator of muscle mass. In this study, the placebo group showed a significant decrease in thigh circumference for the affected limb from week 0-8, while the Fortetropin® group had no significant change [18]. These findings align with the myostatin measurements and confirm that Fortetropin® inhibits disuse muscle atrophy during the period of forced exercise restriction.
However, ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness showed different results. The Fortetropin® group had a significant decrease in muscle thickness from week 0-8, while the placebo group showed a decrease but not a significant one. The reasons for this disparity are not well understood, but it highlights the need for further research in this area [18].
Addressing Limitations
As with any study, there are limitations to consider. One limitation was the use of ultrasonography to measure muscle thickness. Inter-observer variation and the lack of standardization in force application during measurements could have influenced the results [20].
Thigh circumference measurements may have also been affected by factors such as breed-matched cases and hair coat thickness. These variables were not randomized in the study, potentially impacting the accuracy of thigh circumference measurements [21].
Additionally, the lack of activity monitoring during the restricted exercise period based on owner compliance was another limitation. Future studies could benefit from monitoring the activity levels of patients to better understand the impact on muscle atrophy.
Fortetropin® for Optimal Recovery
Fortetropin® has shown promising results in human studies, increasing lean body mass and decreasing myostatin levels [8]. This study marks the first time Fortetropin® has been used in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery. The findings demonstrate that Fortetropin® supplementation prevents the rise in serum myostatin levels and the loss of muscle mass, as evidenced by thigh circumference measurements in both affected and unaffected limbs [18].
As a result, Fortetropin® could be a valuable supplement in the perioperative period for dogs undergoing orthopedic procedures. By inhibiting disuse muscle atrophy, Fortetropin® is revolutionizing the way we approach recovery and rehabilitation in our furry friends.
To learn more about Fortetropin® and its potential benefits, visit Katten TrimSalon. Don’t let muscle atrophy hinder your dog’s recovery. Embrace Fortetropin® and give them the best chance at a healthy and active life.