Martin Kovše1, Petra Zrimšek2, and Tina Kotnik3*
1VP Slovenj Gradec, Veterinarska postaja d.o.o., Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
2Clinic for Reproduction and Horses, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
3Clinic for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
ABSTRACT: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is a method of specific treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) which has been used for years in human and veterinary medicine. It is empirically known to be effective in dogs with AD, however, its true effectiveness still seems controversial due to insufficient evidence derived from controlled studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of an 8-month ASIT with 2-month symptomatic methylprednisolone treatment in dogs with AD. The third version of Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-03) was used for the first time for objective evaluation of ASIT efficacy in dogs. 11 atopic dogs, older than 6 months, of various breeds and both sexes, were included in the study. Each dog was initially treated with methylprednisolone over a period of 2 months. After a washout period of 1 month, conventional ASIT with subcutaneous allergen injections was initiated and continued for the next 8 months. CADESI-03 scores were evaluated at regular monthly control visits. In both groups, ≥50% reduction of CADESI-03 score from baseline was recorded in 4/11 dogs (36,4%). A significant effect of ASIT was recorded after 6 months of therapy (P = 0.032). Thus, at least a period of 6 months is recommended before assessing treatment efficacy of ASIT. Methylprednisolone proved to be more efficient in controlling pruritus than ASIT. No remarkable changes in blood biochemical parameters were observed in either group. The results of our study suggest that the effect of 8-month ASIT in dogs with AD is comparable to that of 2-month therapy with methylprednisolone. The obvious safety of long-term ASIT additionally supports the more frequent use of this specific therapy in the treatment of canine AD.
*Corresponding author: Tina Kotnik, assistant professor, PhD, DVM, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Phone: +386 1 4779 284; Fax: +386 1 4779 349; E-mail: tina.kotnik@vf.uni-lj.si
Published by VETERINARSKI ARHIV 82 (3), 251-264, 2012 ©
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