FC‐40 Efficacy of combined topical therapy with antiallergic shampoo and lotion for the control of signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs

Abstract

This study evaluated the benefit of Allermyl® shampoo and lotion in alleviating signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs. After treatment of previous infections, 35 dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis according to Prelaud's criteria were included in the study. Three of the dogs improved on prior elimination diet trials, but signs were not completely controlled. The dogs first underwent a 3‐week antiparasitic therapeutic trial period (permethrin spray once every 7 days and acaricidal medication). Dogs whose lesions and pruritus did not improve entered a 3‐week topical antiallergic treatment period (Allermyl® shampoo and lotion alternately every 3 days). No other treatment was allowed. Erythema, excoriation and lichenification were graded at 12 different sites spanning the whole body surface according to an extent‐severity scale (0–10) to calculate an aggregate lesional index score (LICAD: 0–360). Pruritus was similarly evaluated on six body areas according to a frequency‐intensity scale (0–10) to calculate an aggregate pruritus index score (PICAD: 0–60). Twenty‐nine dogs completed the trial. While LICAD and PICAD did not decrease significantly over the control antiparasitic‐treatment period, both indices decreased significantly after 14 days of Allermyl® therapy (repeated measures ANOVA, P < 0.05). Median (95% confidence interval) lesional and pruritus index reduction were 55% (36–77%) and 58% (42–77%), respectively, within 3 weeks of antiallergic topical treatment. Almost half the dogs (48.3%) were markedly improved (>50% score reduction) with Allermyl®. Obvious clinical benefit (≥30% score reduction) was documented in 75.9% of dogs. Funding: Virbac SA.