Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Efficacy and safety of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with canine allergic dermatitis.
- Journal:
- Veterinary dermatology
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Cosgrove, Sallie B et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at a medication called oclacitinib, which is used to help dogs with itchy skin caused by allergic dermatitis. They included 436 dogs that were experiencing moderate to severe itching and gave some of them oclacitinib while others received a placebo (a dummy treatment). The results showed that dogs taking oclacitinib had a significant reduction in itching within just 24 hours, and both owners and veterinarians noticed improvements in the dogs' skin condition after a week. While some dogs experienced diarrhea and vomiting, these side effects were similar in both groups. Overall, oclacitinib was found to be a fast and effective treatment for controlling itching in dogs with allergic dermatitis.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oclacitinib (Apoquel(®) ) inhibits the function of a variety of pro-inflammatory, pro-allergic and pruritogenic cytokines that are dependent on Janus kinase enzyme activity. Oclacitinib selectively inhibits Janus kinase 1. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Client-owned dogs (n = 436) with moderate to severe owner-assessed pruritus and a presumptive diagnosis of allergic dermatitis were enrolled. Dogs were randomized to either oclacitinib at 0.4-0.6 mg/kg orally twice daily or an excipient-matched placebo. An enhanced 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) was used by the owners to assess the severity of pruritus from day 0 to 7 and by veterinarians to assess the severity of dermatitis on days 0 and 7. Dogs could remain on the study for 28 days. RESULTS: Pretreatment owner and veterinary VAS scores were similar for the two treatment groups. Oclacitinib produced a rapid onset of efficacy within 24 h. Mean oclacitinib Owner Pruritus VAS scores were significantly better than placebo scores (P < 0.0001) on each assessment day. Pruritus scores decreased from 7.58 to 2.59 cm following oclacitinib treatment. The day 7 mean oclacitinib Veterinarian Dermatitis VAS scores were also significantly better (P < 0.0001) than placebo scores. Diarrhoea and vomiting were reported with similar frequency in both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In this study, oclacitinib provided rapid, effective and safe control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis, with owners and veterinarians noting substantial improvements in pruritus and dermatitis VAS scores.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23829933/