Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Oclacitinib for skin disease in 238 cats - effects and side effects
By Wehber, Marlyse R et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2026·Pet Dermatology Clinic, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A Retrospective Case Series Reporting the Clinical Efficacy and Adverse Events of Oclacitinib Administration for Skin Disease in 238 Cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 238 cats with skin problems were treated with oclacitinib, a medication often used for allergies and other dermatological issues. About 59% of the cats showed improvement in their symptoms, with some needing the medication twice a day and others once a day. The treatment duration varied widely, with some cats receiving it for over seven years. While there were some mild side effects, such as low white blood cell counts and gastrointestinal issues, these were generally manageable and similar to those seen in dogs. Overall, oclacitinib was found to be effective and well-tolerated in these cats.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Off-label oclacitinib use for feline dermatoses management is increasing despite the paucity of data regarding optimal dose and adverse events (AEs). OBJECTIVE: Review AEs, clinical efficacy, and dose regimens in cats prescribed oclacitinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series of 238 privately owned cats prescribed oclacitinib for dermatological disease. Signalment, history, laboratory abnormalities, oclacitinib dosage (mg/kg/day), treatment duration and AEs using a modified Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale were retrieved from medical records spanning August 2014 to May 2024. Clinical efficacy was estimated using a pruritus Visual Analogue Scale and medical record lesional descriptions; categorised as complete, partial or no response. RESULTS: The mean (x̄) initial dosage prescribed was 1.89 mg/kg/day. Monotherapy controlled clinical signs in 140 of 238 cats (59%), including 83 of 140 cats (59%) on twice daily (x̄ = 1.85 mg/kg/day) and 57 of 140 cats (41%) on once daily administration (x̄ = 1.05 mg/kg/day). The median treatment duration was 271.5 days (range 1 day-7.5 years). Main diagnoses successfully managed included feline atopic skin syndrome (61%) and pemphigus foliaceus (29%). Thirty-three 'definite' or 'probable' AEs were observed in 32 of 238 cats including: neutropaenia 6.3% (n = 15), gastrointestinal 4% (n = 9), lethargy 1.7% (n = 4), infection 0.8% (n = 2), hyperactivity 0.4% (n = 1), elevated alanine transaminase 0.4% (n = 1) and elevated creatinine 0.4% (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Off-label oclacitinib administration in cats appeared to be well-tolerated and effective with AEs typically mild, responsive to dose reduction, and similar to those reported in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42036967/