Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Oral Lactobacillus paracasei K71 helps dogs with atopic dermatitis
By Ohshima-Terada, Yuri et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2015·ASC Dermatology Service 1-3-2 Jindaijihigashi, Japan·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Complementary effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei K71 on canine atopic dermatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 41 dogs with mild to moderate skin problems due to atopic dermatitis (a common allergic skin condition) participated in a study to see if a probiotic called Lactobacillus paracasei K71 could help. The dogs were given either the probiotic or an antihistamine called cetirizine for 12 weeks, while still using their regular medications. Both groups showed improvement in their skin condition and itching, but the dogs receiving the probiotic needed less medication overall. This suggests that Lactobacillus paracasei K71 could be a helpful addition to treatment for dogs with atopic dermatitis.
People also search for: dog atopic dermatitis treatment · probiotic for dog skin problems · reducing steroids in dogs with allergies
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease encountered in dogs. Glucocorticoids are commonly recommended for symptomatic therapy and well-tolerated adjunctive therapies may help to reduce the necessary dose and associated risks of chronic glucocorticoid use. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complementary efficacy of oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei K71 in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). ANIMALS: Forty one dogs with mild to moderate cAD were recruited by19 animal hospitals. METHODS: Dogs were assigned to receive either the investigational agent (K71 group; n = 20) or cetirizine hydrochloride (control group; n = 21). Previously prescribed medications were allowed to be continued during the 12 week trial. Dogs were assessed by the investigators using the cAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) and a medication scoring system. Pet owners assessed their dogs using a visual analog scale (VAS) and pruritus scores. RESULTS: The CADESI scores, VAS and pruritus scores in both groups at 12 weeks were improved compared with their baselines. The CADESI and pruritus scores in the K71 group were slightly lower than those in the control group and the reduction of medication scores in the K71 group was significantly lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05; Student's t-test). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral administration of K71 can be useful in dogs with cAD as a complementary therapy, by providing a steroid-sparing effect.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26123498/