Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions in Dogs Treated with Antiepileptic Drugs.
- Journal:
- Frontiers in veterinary science
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Koch, Tina et al.
- Affiliation:
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine · Germany
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Epilepsy is a common condition in dogs that often requires lifelong treatment with medications called antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In a study of 185 dogs with epilepsy, about 20% showed skin problems while being treated. A closer look at 137 of these dogs revealed that 10.9% developed new or worsening skin issues after starting AED therapy, with 40% of those cases likely caused by the medication. While some tests were explored to check for sensitivity to these drugs, they weren't reliable enough to be recommended for regular use. Overall, the study suggests that skin reactions can occur in dogs treated with AEDs, but further testing methods need improvement.
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders in dogs and life-long treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AED) is frequently required. Adverse events of AED targeting the skin are only rarely reported in veterinary medicine and the true incidence and spectrum of cutaneous reactions in epileptic dogs remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that cutaneous reactions commonly occur in epileptic dogs and are related to AED treatment. A retrospective case review of 185 dogs treated for epilepsy identified 20.0% with simultaneous appearance of dermatologic signs. In a subsequent prospective case investigation (n = 137), we identified newly appearing or distinct worsening of skin lesions following initiation of AED therapy in 10.9% of dogs treated for epilepsy (95% CI 6.8-17.7%). Cutaneous lesions were classified as probably drug-induced in 40.0% of these cases. Patch testing and intradermal testing were further investigated as potential diagnostic methods to confirm AED hypersensitivity. They were of high specificity but sensitivity and positive predictive value appeared inappropriate to recommend their routine use in clinical practice.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27148543/