Topical cream with essential oils, zinc and salicylic acid reduces pruritus and skin lesion scores in pruritic dogs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of an essential oil, salicylic acid and zinc-based cream in the relief of pruritus not secondary to infectious pyoderma or ectoparasites and associated dermatological lesions. METHODS: Forty-one client-owned, otherwise healthy, dogs with chronic, noninfectious pruritus were enrolled in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial. Dogs were assigned to receive topical treatment using either the study or placebo cream daily for 14 days. Owners recorded pruritus scores using a visual scale (Pruritus Analog Visual Scale [PVAS]) in a daily diary. Severity of skin lesions was quantified before and after the trial using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index - 4th Generation (CADESI-4) rubric. Baseline and post-trial blood counts and serum biochemistries were used to assess health and screen for any evidence of toxicity secondary to cream application. RESULTS: Fourteen-day course of treatment with the study cream was associated with 1.75x greater reduction in pruritus score compared to placebo. The reduction in pruritus was greater in the treatment versus placebo groups starting at day 9 of treatment and continued through day 14. Visible skin lesions improved with treatment but did not improve with placebo. Quality of life scores improved in both groups, but improvement was greater in the treatment group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The topical cream used in this study was a safe and effectives complementary treatment for the relief of pruritus and dermatological lesions in dogs.