Effect of Bucillamine on Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Dog

Abstract

A 7-year-old female Toy Poodle weighing 2.1kg showed joint swelling and angular deformity with pain and lameness. Radiography revealed luxation with severe destruction of joints and periarticular soft tissue swelling. Hyperglobulinemia with increased levels of alpha₂, beta and gammaglobulin fractions was observed. After administrating of bucillamine, an immunomodulator, clinical signs of affected joints were significantly improved in accordance with decreasing gamma globulin, suggesting that immunologic mechanism might be involved in this case of canine rheumatoid arthritis.