The effect of treatment with whole bee venom on cage activity and plasma cortisol levels in the arthritic dog.

A series of 24 mixed-breed dogs were used to study the physiological effects of whole bee venom on canine arthritic-like conditions. 16 were randomly selected normal dogs and 8 were suspect arthritic animals confirmed by X-ray examination and special physical examination. The control dogs were divided into groups I and II and the arthritic groups III and IV. Groups I and III received injections of sterile saline while groups II and IV were given 1 mg whole bee venom subcutaneously on days 30, 37, 50, and 60. Plasma cortisol levels were measured weekly and cage activity recorded daily using a K and R Pedometer. Following bee venom injection plasma cortisol levels increased in both groups II and IV from a control of 5Μg/100 ml to 15Μg/100 ml 15 days after therapy. During this period of time the 4 arthritic dogs in group IV increased daily cage activity from 4 mile/day to 10 mile/day. Groups I, II, and III showed no increase or decrease in cage activity. No injections were given between day 60 and day 90. At 90, 97, 110 and 120 days, groups I and III were given bee venom and groups II and IV sterile saline. As before, bee venom increased plasma cortisol levels in both venom-treated groups and the daily cage activity in group III. At 120 days all injections were discontinued. Plasma cortisol levels returned to normal within 30 days, yet daily cage activity in both groups III and IV remained significantly above control (8 to 11 mile/day). Results indicate that whole bee venom stimulates the production of cortisol and the daily cage activity in dogs exhibiting arthritic-like conditions. No significant side effects were noted in any of the dogs treated with bee venom.