FC‐38 Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid and black currant seed oil in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: a double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled study

Abstract

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has shown inhibitory effects on histamine release, eicosanoid production and pruritus in laboratory rodents. Its use in canine atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of CLA, black currant seed oil (BSO) or a combination of both compared to placebo in dogs with AD. A further aim was to evaluate changes in fatty acid metabolism induced by these treatments. Twenty‐four dogs with AD (no response to food trials and negative intradermal tests for fleas) were randomly allocated to four groups. Each group was treated orally daily for 2 months in a blinded manner with 1 mL/10 kg CLA, 1 mL/10 kg BSO, 1 mL/10 kg CLA + 1 mL/10 kg BSO, or 1 mL/10 kg sugar syrup (placebo). Serum was obtained for polyunsaturated fatty acid analysis on days 0, 30 and 60. Owners assessed pruritus with a visual analogue scale, and veterinarians evaluated lesions with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extension and Severity Index on days 0, 30 and 60. The best clinical results occurred with BSO alone and were particularly evident in half of the animals treated. However, global improvement was not significant with any of the treatments. Serum levels of di‐homo‐gamma‐linolenic acid markedly increased in BSO‐treated dogs, which may be related to the clinical improvement. Conjugated linoleic acid at the dosage used in this study does not seem to be helpful in canine AD, whereas BSO may be helpful in a selected population of dogs with AD. Funding: NBF Lanes.