Adjunctive Therapy With a Perna canaliculus and Euphausia superba Extract (EAB-277TM ) for Clinical Signs of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs: A Prospective, Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Exploratory Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Tracheal collapse is a common canine respiratory disease characterized by dorsoventral cartilage flattening, airway lumen narrowing and subsequent mucosal inflammation.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of EAB-277, a marine lipid extract combining Perna canaliculus (30 mg) and Euphausia superba (20 mg) as an adjunctive therapy in the management of tracheal collapse in dogs.

Methods: Forty-one dogs with confirmed tracheal collapse were randomly assigned to receive standard conventional medications plus either EAB-277 ( n = 21) or a placebo ( n = 20). The EAB-277 treatment protocol included a loading dose for the initial 14 days. Clinical signs and quality of life were assessed together with fluoroscopy, radiography, haematology and serum biochemistry on Days 0, 14, 28 and 56.

Results: Dogs receiving EAB-277 showed a significant improvement in exercise tolerance by Day 14. Concurrently, fluoroscopic analysis demonstrated significant reductions in the percentage change in tracheal luminal diameter across the cervical, thoracic inlet and intrathoracic regions by Day 14. Both groups showed significant improvements in cough scores throughout the study, with no statistical difference between the groups.

Conclusions: Although conventional medical therapy effectively manages the clinical signs of tracheal collapse, particularly cough, this study demonstrates that EAB-277 provides additional benefits by significantly improving exercise tolerance and reducing dynamic tracheal collapse at the cervical, thoracic inlet and intra-thoracic regions, which might have the potential to enhance airway health.

Keywords: airway collapse cough exercise tolerance krill oil omega-3 Perna canaliculus