Anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was done for surgically induced OA group on the right stifle with a scalpel, under surgically sterile conditions, as described by Vignon et al. (1987) . The animals were anesthetized with Zoletil® (Virbac, Milperra, Australia) at 3 mg/kg via intramuscular route and maintained with isoflurane (3%) (Piramal Healthcare, India). In order to expose the anterior cruciate ligament, medial patella dislocation was performed by lateral parapatellar arthrotomy approach with the stifle joint being fully flexed. Once visualized, irrigation with sterile saline was made onto the stifle joint. Subsequently, using 4-0 polydioxanone suture, closure of the joint capsule and subcutaneous tissue was done. Skin closure was done using 3-0 nylon suture. Tramadol (Duopharma, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) 2mg/kg was given twice daily for three days as painkiller. The animals were caged with unrestricted movement until anaesthetic recovery.
The OA chemical induction was administered with 0.32 ml of 25 mg/ml monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) (Sigma-Aldrich, Burlington, MA, USA) dissolved in saline, injected into the intraarticular space of the stifle joint, under general anaesthesia (Zoletil®) at 2 mg/kg via intramuscular route.
The OA chemical induction was administered with 0.32 ml of 25 mg/ml monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) (Sigma-Aldrich, Burlington, MA, USA) dissolved in saline, injected into the intraarticular space of the stifle joint, under general anaesthesia (Zoletil®) at 2 mg/kg via intramuscular route.