Long-term oclacitinib use to control itching in cats

Abstract

Our objective was to provide preliminary clinical and laboratory data and the minimum effective dose for long-term (≥ 7 mo) treatment of feline allergic pruritus with oclacitinib. We studied 14 privately owned cats with pruritic allergic dermatitis controlled with oclacitinib treatment. Clinical data and results of blood testing (at the onset and at least once thereafter) during treatment were retrospectively evaluated. The median initial dosage of oclacitinib was 1.1 mg/kg q12h. In 7 animals, the maintenance dose could be reduced by ≥ 50%, usually after 15 d of treatment. The median duration of treatment was 15.5 mo. An FeLV-FIV test was conducted in 10 cats and all were negative. During treatment, 4 cats had non-dermatologic disorders that resolved without changing the oclacitinib dosing schedule. Alterations in blood tests during treatment were mild and frequently transient and included hypercholesterolemia, increased alanine aminotransferase and/or creatinine, and hyperglycemia. Limited and transitory disruptions in platelets and white cell lineage numbers were identified in some cats but none required specific treatment or discontinuation of oclacitinib. Alterations observed in the 14 cats treated with oclacitinib for a median of 15.5 mo were few and mild. No direct relationships were apparent between laboratory abnormalities or clinical signs and the dosing schedule of oclacitinib. A reduction of the daily dose to control allergic pruritus was feasible in 7/14 cats. Key clinical message: Based on the 14 cases included, long-term treatment with oclacitinib appeared to be well-tolerated and effective for managing feline allergic pruritus. However, close monitoring is recommended, and prospective studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these results.