Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fatty acids may reduce cyclosporine dose in dogs with itchy skin
By Müller, M R et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2016·Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of cyclosporine-sparing effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 36 dogs with atopic dermatitis (a skin condition causing itching and irritation) participated in a study to see if adding a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids could help reduce their need for cyclosporine, a common medication for this condition. Over 12 weeks, the dogs receiving the omega-3 supplement were able to lower their cyclosporine dosage significantly compared to those on a placebo. Owners reported less itching and better overall quality of life for their pets in the omega-3 group. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help manage atopic dermatitis while allowing for lower doses of cyclosporine.
People also search for: dog itching treatment · omega-3 for dog skin problems · atopic dermatitis in dogs treatment
Abstract
A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicentre trial was conducted in 36 dogs with atopic dermatitis to evaluate the cyclosporine-sparing effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dogs were stable on their individual cyclosporine dosage and received either a mainly omega-3 fatty acid product with a minor omega-6 fatty acid fraction or placebo, orally for 12 weeks. Dogs were examined every 4 weeks and the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-03) was determined by a clinician. Pruritus, quality of life, global condition and coat quality were scored by the owner. If the dog's CADESI-03 and/or pruritus score improved by at least 25% compared with the previous visit, the cyclosporine dosage was decreased by approximately 25%. If the scores deteriorated by at least 25%, the cyclosporine dosage was increased by the same percentage. The median daily cyclosporine dosage/kg bodyweight decreased in the active group from 4.1 mg to 2.6 mg and in the placebo group from 3.5 mg to 3.3 mg over the study period. The difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.009). The improvement in median pruritus score from inclusion to completion was significantly greater in the active group than in the placebo group (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in CADESI-03 changes between groups (P = 0.38). The results of this study indicate a cyclosporine-sparing effect of a mainly omega-3 fatty acid supplement in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26975448/