Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Combined oclacitinib and prednisolone for dog atopic dermatitis
By Ferreira, Tássia Sell et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2025·Department of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of oclacitinib maleate and prednisolone combined therapy for the control of atopic dermatitis in dogs: A controlled clinical trial.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 23 dogs with itchy skin due to atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition) were treated with either a combination of oclacitinib (a medication for itching) and prednisolone (a steroid) or just oclacitinib alone. Both treatment plans significantly reduced itching and skin inflammation over 60 days, with no major side effects reported. Some dogs experienced mild issues like increased thirst or appetite, but these resolved quickly. The combination therapy was also found to be more cost-effective, making it a good option for managing this condition.
People also search for: dog itching treatment · atopic dermatitis in dogs · oclacitinib and prednisolone for dogs · dog skin problems medication
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a chronic inflammatory and pruritic dermatopathy requiring a multimodal therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness, safety and cost of oclacitinib and prednisolone treatment in dogs with AD. ANIMALS: Twenty-three client-owned dogs with cAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group 1 received prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg every 24 h) for 7 days, then oclacitinib (0.5 mg/kg) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg), were administered alternately with a 1 day pause between each drug, for 7 additional weeks. Group 2 received oclacitinib (0.5 mg/kg every 12 h for 14 days, then every 24 h) for 8 weeks. Assessments included the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) on Day (D)0, D7, D14, D30, D45 and D60. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant CADESI and PVAS reductions on D7 (p < 0.001). From D14 to D60, mean scores remained stable compared to D7, with no significant differences between groups. Adverse events included two dogs with polyuria and polydipsia, and three with polyphagia in Group 1, all of which resolved by D14. In Group 2, one dog experienced polyphagia, and two had self-limiting vomiting. Three dogs in Group 1 and one dog in Group 2 had mild increases in liver enzyme concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combined protocol was effective and safe for managing itch and inflammation over a 60 day period. It had a 73.3% lower cost compared to oclacitinib alone.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39895463/