A new study that shows elk velvet antler is effective in reducing arthritis in dogs could provide a major boost to the elk industry, said the chair of the Alberta Elk Commission.
“We think it’s great news for dogs and dog owners and great news for the industry,” said Glenda Elkow of Lloydminster.
The University of Montreal study showed elk velvet antler had an anti-inflammatory effect on dogs with osteoarthrosis, a painful condition that leads to pain and joint stiffness.
The study gives evidence of what the elk industry has been saying for years about the health properties of elk velvet antler, said Elkow.
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Elk velvet antler is made from the inner core of an elk’s antler in the velvet stage of growth.
The study, a clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs, was published in the February issue of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Journal.
In the double blind and placebo-controlled study, the dogs, chosen from the files of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Montreal, were divided into two groups.
One group was given a placebo for 30 days and then elk velvet antler for the next 60 days. The other group was given elk velvet antler for 60 days.
After 30 days of treatment with the placebo, the dogs were assessed with a series of tests that measured the affected joints, posture and mobility.
The dogs given elk velvet antler for 60 days were analyzed after 30 and 60 days. The recommended dose of elk velvet antler is 15 to 20 milligrams per kg of body weight once or twice a day.
After 30 days of treatment with a placebo the dogs were not significantly different than on the first day. After 60 days on the elk velvet the animals had improved significantly, compared to pretreatment results. The owners also reported that the daily activities of the animals were significantly improved, said the report.
In the medical journal summary, Terry Church wrote: “The authors concluded that the administration of qeva (quality elk velvet antler) was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs. They further stated that consideration should be given to the use of qeva in the treatment of canine (osteoarthrosis).”
Elkow said if the adoption of elk velvet antler catches on in North America, Canadian producers couldn’t keep up with the demand.
“We couldn’t produce enough antler right now to support that market,” she said.
Elkow is hoping an increased domestic demand for elk velvet would help drive up the price paid by overseas customers for the product.
At the peak of the industry, producers received $110 a pound for antlers. The industry feels it needs about $50 a pound to make a profit. The price paid for last year’s elk velvet antler was $18 to $21 per lb.
The potential good news may be too late for some elk producers hard hit by drought, closed foreign markets and low velvet prices.
Canada produces about 265,000 pounds of velvet antler per year, with Alberta producing about 70,000 lb.
