Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent Research Articles

Treatment of moderate-to-severe canine atopic dermatitis with modified-release mycophenolate (OKV-1001): A pilot open-label, single-arm multicentric clinical trial.

Mycophenolate is an immunomodulating agent successfully used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in people. Mycophenolate is an effective steroid-sparing treatment option for use in dogs with inflammatory skin diseases. To evaluate whether once-daily modified-release mycophenolate (OKV-1001) is safe and effective for treating moderate-to-severe canine AD. Client-owned atopic dogs (n = 9) were enrolled. In an open-label multicentre pilot study, OKV-1001 (30 mg/kg every 24 h) was given orally for ≤84 days. Concomitant tapering doses of glucocorticoids were administered up to Day (D)28. Clinicians assessed Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) on D0, D14, D28, D56 and D84. Body weight and clinical pathological parameters were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Treatment with OKV-1001 combined with glucocorticoids significantly reduced the severity of AD within two weeks in seven of nine (77.8%) dogs. The mean percentage change from baseline in the CADESI-04 score was 29% (p = 0.009) at D14 (n = 9), 39% (p = 0.008) at D28 (n = 9) and 49% (p = 0.03) at D56 (n = 7) at which point glucocorticoids had been withdrawn. In two dogs the improvement in CADESI-04 was 62% and 23% (respectively) on D84. No significant adverse events including clinical pathological findings were reported. Modified-release mycophenolate (OKV-1001) may represent a promising alternative treatment option for dogs with moderate-to-severe AD. The safety and efficacy profile of OKV-1001 will need to be established in larger, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V in Veterinary Dermatology: Skin microbiota transplantation as a promising approach for dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions

The probability of influencing the skin microbiome for addressing skin disorders opens a novel aisle of therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of skin microbiota transplantation (sMt) for cutaneous adverse food reactions (caFr) in dogs. Ten client-owned dogs with caFr were included in the study. Unenriched heterologous sMt was performed using Nivea Skin Refining Clear-Up Strips (N-cUs). The bacterial microbiota of skin samples was analysed by next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Other relevant biomarkers were involved in VAS (visual analogue scale of pruritus score), CADESI-04 (canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index) and epidermal corneometric analysis. Increased Faecalibacterium (0 to 1.9 %), Peptoclostridium (5.49 % to 9.11 %) and Collinsella (0.65 % to 8.91 %), and decreased Fusobacterium (19.16 % to 9.06 %), Porphyromona (8.75 % to 0.13 %), Streptococcus (1.63 % to 0.14 %) and Staphylococcus (1.09 % to 0.49 %) was evidenced before and after sMt, respectively. Treatment with sMt effectively controlled clinical signs and drastically reduced median VAS pruritus (6.5 vs. 2) and CADESI-04 scores (74.50±22.62 to 19.30±11.30) (p<0,001). In addition, skin pH and hydration values were improved (p<0,001) after sMt. The heterologous and unenriched sMt with N-cUs could be responsible for the clinical recovery observed in this study.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluating the effect of orally administered polyunsaturated fatty acids on the oclacitinib dose for atopic dogs.

Supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enables dose reduction of prednisolone and ciclosporin in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). To determine if oral administration of PUFA reduces the dose of oclacitinib in cAD. Twenty-two client-owned dogs with cAD receiving oclacitinib. Dogs received a fish oil product (PUFA) or paraffin oil (placebo) for 16 weeks. Owners adjusted the oclacitinib dose according to daily pruritus assessments. On Day (D)0, D56 and D112, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, fourth iteration (CADESI-04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), quality-of-life score (QoL), Global Assessment (GA), quality-of-coat (QoC) and adverse events were recorded. Mean daily oclacitinib dose was significantly reduced in the PUFA group from 0.51 ± 0.20 mg/kg/24 h (D0) to 0.19 ± 0.14 mg/kg/24 h (D85-112; p < 0.00001) and not in the placebo group (D0: 0.70 ± 0.33 mg/kg/24 h; D85-112: 0.53 ± 0.35 mg/kg/24 h, p = 0.5422). CADESI-04 did not change over time or differ between groups. PVAS was significantly lower in the PUFA group (2.8 ± 1.5) compared to placebo (4.2 ± 1.6) at D112 (p = 0.0375). QoL and QoC improved only in the PUFA group (QoL: D0: 20 ± 7, D112: 12 ± 5, p = 0.0057; QoC: D0: 0 ± 0.5, D112: 1 ± 0.5, p = 0.0410). GA on D112 was higher in the PUFA group (p = 0.008). No adverse events were observed. Oral supplementation of PUFA allowed dose reduction of oclacitinib and improved PVAS, QoL, QoC and GA. The use of PUFA is recommended and was safe in the atopic study dogs receiving oclacitinib.

Establishment of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Diagnosis of canine adverse food reactions (AFRs) is based on vague criteria, such as '>50% improvement' during elimination diet trial (EDT) followed by 'deterioration' during provocation test (PT). The objective of the study was to use predefined criteria to evaluate response during EDT [i.e., Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE) = good-to-excellent] and relapse during PT [i.e., Owner Global Assessment of Challenge Deterioration (OGACD) = moderate-to-severe and/or >100% increase of lesional (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration, CADESI-04) and/or of pruritus (pruritus Visual Analog Scale, PVAS) scores]. Twenty-nine dogs with atopic dermatitis. An extensively hydrolysed diet was fed to all dogs followed, in seven of 11 nonresponders, by a second home-made novel-protein EDT. Dogs responding to either EDT were challenged with their previous diet. Thirteen (44.8%) dogs were diagnosed with AFRs: at the end of EDT, their OGATE was good (9 of 13; 69.2%) or excellent (four of 13; 30.8%), and both CADESI-04 (46.7%) and PVAS (71.1%) had decreased significantly; at the end of PT, OGACD was moderate or severe in 12 of 13 (92.3%) dogs, and both CADESI-04 (127.9%) and PVAS (181.8%) had increased significantly. Of the 16 dogs without AFRs, 6 (37.5%) responded to the commercial (n = 5) or home-made (n = 1) diet [OGATE = good (three of six) or excellent (three of six)], with significant concurrent reduction of CADESI-04 and nonsignificant reduction of PVAS, yet they did not relapse during PT. The proposed (predefined) criteria for the evaluation of response during EDT and deterioration during PT seem reliable and are easily applicable in clinical practice and research.

A randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapy of oclacitinib and marine oil extract PCSO-524 in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can be beneficial in the management of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). A commercial product PCSO-524 containing PUFA has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in dogs. To evaluate the efficacy of PCSO-524, in combination with oclacitinib in dogs with cAD. Seventeen client-owned dogs with cAD. A randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial. All dogs were treated with oclacitinib (0.4-0.6 mg/kg) twice a day for 14 days, then once a day until Day (D)42. They were randomly divided into two groups: PCSO-524 (n = 9) and sunflower oil (n = 8). Clinical status was assessed by Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) at baseline (D0), D14, D28 and D42. Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured at the same time points. CADESI scores decreased significantly after treatment and there was a significant difference between the PCSO-524 and the control group at D28 (p = 0.04) and D42 (p = 0.03). The PCSO-524 group also demonstrated a significantly decreased pVAS on D28 and D42 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) compared to D0, while significant differences were observed in the control group at D14 and D28 (p < 0.01 and p = 0.04) and not at D42 (p = 0.12). The mean TEWL showed a significant decrease at D28 and D42 in the PCSO-524 group, compared to the control group (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). The combination of PCSO-524 and oclacitinib may help to alleviate the rebound effect that occurs when tapering down the dosage of oclacitinib, as compared to using oclacitinib alone for the management of cAD.

Sphingomyelin-Rich Lipid Extract Collar for Canine Atopic Dermatitis.

The management of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is complex, and it needs to be multimodal, combining topical and systemic therapies. Given that the currently available options are not always totally effective and might have some associated adverse effects, novel alternatives are needed. For this reason, a new collar for CAD was developed with 2.5% of a sphingomyelin-rich lipid extract (LE) with proven benefits for skin health. The release of the active ingredient when incorporated into the collar was tested in vitro, showing an adequate kinetic profile. Then, the efficacy and safety of the collar were assessed in 12 client-owned dogs with CAD in a pilot study. After eight weeks, the dogs experienced significant clinical improvements on the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-4, Pruritus Index for Canine Atopic Dermatitis (PCAD) and Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS) scores, without any adverse effects. Additionally, further in vitro studies were performed, indicating that this LE collar should be compatible with antiparasitic collars (with deltamethrin or imidacloprid/flumethrin) if worn simultaneously. Given the observed benefits of this LE collar, combining it with other CAD therapies could potentially allow for drug sparing, reduction in adverse effects, enhanced owner compliance, and reduced treatment costs.

Pilot evaluation of a single oral fecal microbiota transplantation for canine atopic dermatitis

The gut microbiota has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). However, the gut microbiota has not been well characterized in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). In addition, the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in dogs with AD remains unclear. This research, therefore, aimed to characterize the gut microbiota of dogs with AD and conduct pilot evaluation of the efficacy of a single oral FMT on clinical signs and the gut microbiota of dogs with AD. For these purposes, we used 12 dogs with AD and 20 healthy dogs. The 16S rRNA analysis of the fecal microbiota revealed significant differences between 12 dogs with AD and 20 healthy dogs. Next, a single oral FMT was performed in 12 dogs with AD as a single-arm, open-label clinical trial for 56 days. A single oral FMT significantly decreased Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-04 scores from day 0 (median score, 16.5) to day 56 (8) and Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) scores from days 0 (median score, 3) to day 56 (1). Furthermore, a single oral FMT changed the composition of the fecal microbiota of dogs with AD at the phylum and genus levels. The number of common amplicon sequence variants in the fecal microbiota between donor dogs and dogs with AD was positively correlated with CADESI-04 and PVAS reduction ratios 56 days after FMT. Our findings suggest that the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cAD, and that oral FMT could be a new therapeutic approach targeting the gut microbiota in cAD.

Hair cortisol concentration, disease severity and quality of life in dogs with atopic dermatitis during lokivetmab therapy.

There are no studies which evaluate hair cortisol as a biological marker of stress and anxiety in pruritic dogs during atopic dermatitis therapy. A longitudinal evaluation of hair cortisol concentrations, the severity of disease and the QoL in dogs with cAD during therapy with lokivetmab. Ten client-owned dogs with cAD. Dogs were assessed at three time points: at the initial visit at day (D) 0 and at D28, when lokivetmab (2.2-3.2 mg/kg) was administered, and at D56 for one further evaluation. At all time points, pruritus and lesion severity was assessed using the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04). Dog owners filled out a validated QoL questionnaire and hair cortisol concentrations were measured from samples collected from the same area on each dog. There was a significant reduction in PVAS (p < 0.001) and improvement in QoL of dogs (QoL1) and owners (QoL2) after lokivetmab administration, with a positive correlation of the PVAS with QoL1 and QoL2 (r = 0.71 and 0.52, respectively). There was no difference in CADESI-04 scores at the different time points (p = 0.515). A significant reduction in hair cortisol levels at D56 was measured compared with D28 (p < 0.001). Hair cortisol may be a useful marker of stress in dogs with cAD. These results highlight the negative impact of cAD on the QoL of dogs and their owners, and the positive benefit of lokivetmab therapy.

High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy findings of the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis.

The high-frequency ultrasonographic appearance of skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis (cAD) has not been described. To compare high-frequency ultrasonographic findings among lesional, macroscopically nonlesional skin of dogs with cAD, and the macroscopically nonlesional skin of healthy dogs. Additionally, to determine whether there is any correlation between the ultrasonographic findings in lesional skin and local Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) or its domains (erythema, lichenification, excoriations/alopecia). As a secondary aim, six cAD dogs were re-evaluated after management intervention. Twenty dogs with cAD (six were re-examined after treatment) and six healthy dogs. In all dogs, ultrasonographic examination was performed on the same 10 skin sites, using a 50 MHz transducer. Wrinkling of skin surface, presence/width of subepidermal low echogenic band, hypoechogenicity of dermis and thickness of the skin were evaluated and scored/measured blindly. Dermal hypoechogenicity was more common and severe in lesional compared to macroscopically nonlesional skin of dogs with cAD. In lesional skin, presence/severity of wrinkling of skin surface and of dermal hypoechogenicity were positively correlated with presence/severity of lichenification, while severity of dermal hypoechogenicity was positively correlated with local CADESI-04. A positive correlation between the change in skin thickness and the change in the severity of erythema during treatment was noted. High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy may be useful for the evaluation of skin of dogs with cAD and for evaluating the progression of skin lesions during treatment.

Efficacy of short-term combination of intralymphatic allergen immunotherapy and lokivetmab treatment in canine atopic dermatitis: A double-blinded, controlled, randomised study.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is an effective therapy for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is potentially beneficial in decreasing time to clinical effectiveness. To compare clinical efficacy of six monthly ILIT injections combined with three monthly injections of lokivetmab (LVM) with monthly LVM monotherapy at Day (D)168. To monitor dogs treated with ILIT for an additional six months of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Thirty-six client-owned dogs with cAD. In this double-blinded, randomised study, dogs received either six monthly injections of ILIT combined with three monthly LVM injections (ILIT group) or six monthly LVM injections (LVM group). Monthly evaluations with pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (pVAS), Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) and medication scores (MS) were undertaken. Owners completed a Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire. Treatment success was predefined as ≥50% reduction in pVAS and CADESI-04 score ≤ 10. After D168, the ILIT group continued with SCIT until subjective assessment at 12 months. The treatment benchmark at D168 was achieved by 11.1% of the ILIT group and 11.8% of LVM group. A significant decrease in mean pVAS and CADESI scores was observed in both groups (p < 0.001). The ILIT group had a trend towards higher MS compared to LVM. QoL was better in LVM (p = 0.01). At 12 months subjective good-to-excellent response in 77.8% of dogs in the ILIT/SCIT group was seen. The efficacy of this ILIT protocol was comparable with LVM monotherapy at six months. When ILIT was continued with SCIT, a favourable response was seen.

Correlation between clinical efficacy on pruritus and serum interleukin-31 levels in dogs with atopic dermatitis treated with lokivetmab.

Studies on serum interleukin (IL)-31 levels in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their correlation with disease severity are limited. To the author's knowledge, there are no studies that measured serum IL-31 in dogs treated with lokivetmab injections, a selective inhibitor of this key cytokine in pruritus. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum IL-31 levels in dogs treated with lokivetmab and correlate it with the severity of canine atopic dermatitis using the pruritus visual analog scale (pVAS) and canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI-04). Ten client-owned dogs diagnosed with AD received two injections of lokivetmab four weeks apart. Disease severity was assessed using the pVAS and CADESI-04 scores before and after both injections. In addition, canine serum IL-31 levels were measured at the same moments. Serum IL-31 was detected in all dogs in the study. There was a significant reduction in pVAS scores and serum IL-31 after administrations. However, there was no difference in CADESI-04 scores, and there was no significant correlation between CADESI-04 scores and serum IL-31 in dogs diagnosed with AD. Nonetheless, a significant positive correlation was observed between the pVAS scores and serum IL-31 levels with lokivetmab therapy, which reinforces the role of IL-31 in the pathogenesis of pruritus in dogs with AD. The data presented here provide further evidence that IL-31 is directly involved in pruritus pathogenesis in dogs with AD. In addition, blocking IL-31 has a significant antipruritic effect, but has no influence on skin lesion severity and extension.

Induction of autophagy improves skin and hair conditions in dogs with underlying diseases.

Autophagy was reported to play a crucial role in maintaining general and skin health. The study used a synthesized autophagy inducer (AI) (Aquatide™ cospharm Inc.; Daejeon, Korea), for evaluating the effects of autophagy on skin and hair in dogs. Twenty-two dogs with poor skin and hair which were diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) were included. Clinical scores using Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-04 (CADESI-04), Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and skin barrier function using measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evaluated and canine keratinocytes were also used in vitro investigation of pro-inflammatory cytokines after AI treatment. In the AI group, clinical scores and skin barrier function were improved at week 8 significantly compared to in the other groups. In particular, the AI significantly improved the hair surface damage at 8 weeks compared to the baseline. In vitro, the AI reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78). AI improve skin barrier function and hair damage and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in dogs.

Malassezia overgrowth in dogs in northern Italy: frequency, body distribution, clinical signs and effects of pharmacologic treatments.

The present study describes Malassezia populations in clinically healthy dogs (HD) and dogs with Malassezia overgrowth (MO), and evaluates the correlation with clinical signs and previous treatments. Thirteen clinically HD and 84 dogs with MO were enrolled. Clinical history and previous treatments were recorded. After a complete physical and dermatological examination, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index_03 scores were calculated. Samples for cytology and mycological cultures were obtained from four body regions and from skin lesions. Malassezia overgrowth was diagnosed by cytology. A global score (GS) for quantitative evaluation of the population of Malassezia was calculated. In dogs with MO, the highest frequency of yeast detection was found in skin lesions (82%, P < 0.001). Sum of GS (GSs) obtained from dogs with MO (68, 0‑621) was significantly higher compared to those of HD (3, 0‑48, P < 0.001). GSs in dogs previously treated with antibiotics (312.5, 30‑975) was significantly higher compared to those of dogs that not have received antibiotics (80, 0‑975, P = 0.015). No difference was found between dogs treated and those not treated with steroids.

A randomised controlled trial testing the rebound-preventing benefit of four days of prednisolone during the induction of oclacitinib therapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

A rebound of pruritus occasionally occurs after oclacitinib dose reduction in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). To determine whether an initial 4-day course of prednisolone decreases the probability of a pruritus rebound after reducing the frequency of oclacitinib administration. Forty dogs with mild-to-moderate AD lesions and moderate-to-severe pruritus. Dogs were randomised to receive oclacitinib at 0.4-0.6mg/kg twice daily for 14 days then once daily, alone or with prednisolone at 0.5mg/kg, orally, twice daily for the first 4 days. Clinicians graded the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)4 and 2D-investigator global assessment (IGA) before and after 28 days; owners assessed the pruritis Visual Analog Scale (PVAS)10 and Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE) on Day (D)0, D4, D14, D21 and D28. We considered a rebound any increase greater than one PVAS10 grade at D21 compared to D14. On D21, there were significantly fewer rebounds in the dogs receiving prednisolone (three of 20, 15%) compared to those given oclacitinib alone (nine of 20, 45%; Fisher's test, p=0.041). Compared to oclacitinib monotherapy, the concurrent administration of prednisolone for the first 4 days led to significantly lower PVAS10 on D4 and D28, CADESI4 and 2D-IGA on D28, and OGATE on D21 and D28 (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-tests). Adverse effects of therapy were minor, intermittent and self-resolving. The initial addition of 4 days of prednisolone significantly decreased the probability of a rebound of pruritus 1 week after oclacitinib dose reduction. This short concomitant glucocorticoid administration led to a higher skin lesion improvement and improved perception of treatment efficacy with minimal adverse effects.

Establishing an experimental model for canine atopic dermatitis through epicutaneous application of Dermatophagoides farinae.

There is no established protocol for the development of an experimental canine atopic dermatitis model in laboratory beagles. This study aimed to establish an experimental model that mimics spontaneous canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) clinically, immunologically, and microbiologically, by repeated epicutaneous applications of mite antigens and to describe the entire process including sensitization and provocation in detail for reproducibility. Six intact male laboratory beagle dogs aged 14 months were included in this study. During the sensitization and provocation phase, the house dust mite (HDM) paste consisted of Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f ) and mineral oil, which was applied focally to the 10 × 10 cm area of the right groin as evenly as possible. Further, 120 mg of Der f was applied to each dog twice a week for 12 weeks during the sensitization phase and 25 mg and 120 mg was applied to each dog for the first 2 weeks and subsequent 2 weeks, respectively, during the provocation phase. Thereafter, the applied area was covered with a dressing. Skin lesions including erythema, hyperpigmentation, excoriation, and lichenification were induced and exacerbated gradually through the experimental time course in all six dogs. The canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI) score and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) significantly increased after sensitization and provocation. IL-13 and IL-31 levels increased significantly after provocation as a result of the activation of the T helper-2 (Th2) response. On the contrary, the IL-10 levels decreased significantly after sensitization, which suggested a suppression of Tregs activity. After the completion of provocation, skin microbiome analysis showed that Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum, which indicated bacterial dysbiosis. This study demonstrated that epicutaneous application of HDM in beagle dogs resulted in the elevation of serum HDM-specific IgE levels and clinical atopic scores, a high TEWL, and microbiome dysbiosis resembling spontaneous CAD. These results suggest that this tailored protocol of epicutaneous exposure to Der f may provide support for the development of the experimental CAD model in laboratory beagles.

The effect of uterine-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: A pilot study.

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common allergic skin condition among dogs that may respond to treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic uterine tissue-derived MSCs (UMSCs) for the reduction and control of clinical signs associated with cAD. At two sites, seven client-owned dogs with cAD received two doses of approximately 3.6 x 107 UMSCs given intravenously over 30 min, on Day 0 and Day 14, with monthly clinical follow-up until Day 90 and optional owner phone interview on Day 180. Primary outcomes were pruritus and skin lesions. Pruritus was measured by the owner-assessed Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), with treatment success defined as a 2-point reduction in PVAS score at any timepoint after treatment. Skin lesions were evaluated by two veterinarians according to the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4). The secondary outcome was safety, which was evaluated via physical exam and hematology, including complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and urinalysis (UA). Treatment was generally well tolerated and associated with a significant reduction in PVAS on Day 30 that was maintained through Day 180. On Day 60, five dogs (71%) achieved treatment success (at least 2-point reduction in PVAS), and three dogs (43%) had a PVAS improvement of 4-5 points. Mean CADESI-4 score was significantly improved on Day 14, Day 30, Day 60, and Day 90, with the lowest mean score observed on Day 60. Three dogs exhibited mild and transient adverse events. These findings suggest that IV-administered allogeneic UMSCs reduce and control clinical signs of cAD, with a durable benefit lasting 3–6 months.

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Treatment in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis: An Observational Study.

Simple SummaryAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a very common allergic skin disease of dogs that is usually accompanied by skin infections, bacterial, fungal, or both. Although treatment of bacterial and fungal infections in dogs with AD has been recommended and is widely practiced, there are only a few studies evaluating its efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in the severity of skin lesions and pruritus after the administration of systemic antimicrobials that resulted in the resolution of the infections. In total, 39 dogs were used, and treatment was prescribed according to the laboratory findings. For the evaluation of the skin lesions and pruritus, validated scales were used, and the scores before and after the treatment were compared. The severity of skin lesions and pruritus decreased significantly, by 30% and 35%, respectively. The efficacy of antimicrobial treatment was assessed as good to excellent by the clinician and the owner in 55% and 60% of the dogs, respectively. There was high variability in the response to treatment among dogs and further studies are needed to find factors that can predict the response to antimicrobial treatment in dogs with AD and skin infections.There is a shortage of studies reporting the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment of dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) and skin infections (SIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in the severity of skin lesions and pruritus, and the overall efficacy of antimicrobial treatment, in dogs with AD and bacterial overgrowth/infection and/or Malassezia dermatitis. A total of 20 dogs with AD and SIs were prospectively enrolled (group A) and they were examined before and after the administration of systemic antimicrobials that resulted in the resolution of SIs. In addition, 19 dogs fulfilling the same inclusion criteria and treated with systemic, with or without topical antimicrobials, were included retrospectively (group B). Since there were no major differences between the groups, their results were combined. The severity of skin lesions decreased significantly, by 30% based on Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-4 (CADESI-4), by 28.1% based on the erythema domain of CADESI-4 and based on owner’s global assessment of the severity of skin lesions. Pruritus decreased significantly, by 34.7% based on the Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS). The efficacy of antimicrobial treatment was assessed as good to excellent by the investigator and the owner in 55% and 60% of the dogs, respectively. Despite the significant improvement, there was high variability in the response to treatment among dogs. Further studies are needed to find factors that determine the response to antimicrobial treatment in dogs with AD and SIs.

The effect of a mixed cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid based oil on client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis.

BackgroundCannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are reported to have antinociceptive, immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory actions.ObjectivesTo determine if CBD/CBDA is an effective therapy for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD).AnimalsThirty‐two privately owned dogs with cAD.Materials and methodsProspective, randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study. Concurrent therapies were allowed if remained unchanged. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either 2 mg/kg of an equal mix of CBD/CBDA (n = 17) or placebo for 4 weeks. On Day (D)0, D14 and D28, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) scores were determined by investigators and owners, respectively. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry profiles and cytokine bioassays were performed on serum collected on D0 and D28.ResultsThere was no significant difference in CADESI‐04 from D0 to D14 (p = 0.42) or D28 (p = 0.51) in either group. pVAS scores were significantly lower for the treatment group at D14 (p = 0.04) and D28 (p = 0.01) and a significant change in pVAS from baseline was seen at D14 (p = 0.04) and not D28 (p = 0.054) between groups. There was no significant difference in serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein ‐ 1, IL‐31 or IL‐34 between groups at D0 or D28. Elevated alkaline phosphatase was observed in four of 17 treatment group dogs.Conclusions and clinical relevanceCBD/CBDA as an adjunct therapy decreased pruritus, and not skin lesions associated with cAD in dogs.

Fecal microbiota transplantation capsule therapy via oral route for combatting atopic dermatitis in dogs

Given the role of the interaction between gut microbiome with dermatological diseases, namely “gut-skin axis”, the present author proved that gut restoration should alleviate canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), which was the purpose of the study. A 4-week, open-label, non-controlled case series involved 8 -owned dogs with CAD which had received no previous treatment. Evaluations included Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index version 4 (CADESI-04 scores), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pruritus scores and Polycheck in vitro allergen specific tests. Faecal samples were analysed by dual indexing one-step PCR and 16S rRNA targeted metagenomics for detecting gut microbiota alterations before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) capsule treatment twice daily for 4 weeks. All cases were presenting pruritus and all of those dogs showed elevated IgE levels. CADESI scores decreased on days 28 (4-21) compared to day 0 initial values (50-128). Similarly, decreased VAS scores were detected on days 28 (0-2) in contrast to prior values (6-10). Regarding epidermal barrier functioning epidermal hydration (55-100 vs. 4-24) and pH (6.-7.8 vs. 4.2-5.7) values were elevated after FMT treatment in contrast to prior ranges, respectively. Alpha diversity revaled both richness and diversity of gut microbiota were improved for all cases on day 28. Furthermore at the end of trial Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes ratio was 8, the benchmark detected for healthy dogs. The present study supports a potential benefit of FMT capsule treatment against CAD. This safe and tolerant treatment modality directed against CAD shifted the gut microbiome composition towards a healthy state for all 8 dogs enrolled.

Evaluation of a hydrolysed salmon and pea hypoallergenic diet application in dogs and cats with cutaneous adverse food reaction.

Cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR) is a common disease, affecting about 1-2% of dogs and cats. Diagnosis of the CAFR is made through elimination diet coupled with diet challenge, as methods like skin tests, patch tests, basophil degranulation tests and assessment of IgG and IgE serum levels are not sensitive enough. A partially hydrolysed salmon and pea hypoallergenic diet was evaluated in the diagnosis and treatment of CAFR in dogs and cats. The diet was used in the treatment of 13 dogs and 12 cats for 10 weeks. The Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS; dogs and cats), Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-04; dogs) and the Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD; cats) were used for effectiveness evaluation. In dogs, a significant decrease was reported in both CADESI-04 (from 17.3±7.5 to 10.15±7.4; p=0.028) and PVAS (from 7±1.3 to 4.76±1.8; p=0.003) after four weeks of treatment. Also in cats, both the PVAS (from 6.75±1.8 to 4±2.3; p=0.006) and SCORFAD (from 4.16±1.9 to 2.58±1.2; p=0.029) decreased significantly after four weeks. After eight weeks, a significant improvement was observed in almost all the animals. Evaluated diet was useful in the treatment of the CAFR in dogs and cats.