A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blinded Clinical Trial Evaluating PCSO-524 as an Adjunctive Therapy for Noninfectious Pododermatitis in Rabbits
Wiley Veterinary Medicine International Volume 2025, Article ID 4177859, 9 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/vmi/4177859
Authors:
1. Abstract
This randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial tested green-lipped mussel oil (PCSO-524) added to standard care in rabbits with Grade 1–2 noninfectious pododermatitis. After 56 days, combined hind-limb lesion size fell significantly in the PCSO-524 group (98.6 → 53.2 mm², p = 0.002) but not in the placebo group (94.0 → 75.6 mm², p = 0.58). No adverse events were associated with PCSO-524.
2. Study design
Randomized (stratified by breed), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in client-owned rabbits, conducted June–December 2017. 30 rabbits were enrolled and 23 were analysed. Assessments took place on Days 0, 28 and 56.
| PCSO-524 arm | Placebo arm | |
| n (analysed) | 13 | 10 |
| Test product | PCSO-524 capsule (50 mg Perna canaliculus oil, 35 ± 5% DHA + EPA, 0.225 mg vitamin E), given daily | Visually identical capsule (50 mg sunflower oil), given daily |
| Standard care | Topical mupirocin, thick clean bedding, no wire-floor contact | Same |
| Duration | 56 days | 56 days |
Outcomes (both arms):
- Lesion area: standardized hock photos, measured in ImageJ by 3 blinded assessors.
- Bloods: CBC and serum biochemistry (BUN, creatinine, total protein, albumin).
- Safety: adverse events.
3. Results
- Lesion size: The PCSO-524 group showed a significant ~46% reduction (right, left and combined hind limbs), while the placebo group did not change significantly. There was no significant difference between groups at any visit (Day 56 combined: p = 0.50).
- Haematology: Values stayed within normal ranges. Monocytes rose and eosinophils fell in both groups, and HLR stayed above 1:1 throughout. The only between-group difference was a higher baseline HLR in the placebo group (p = 0.03).
- Safety: No adverse events were associated with PCSO-524.