Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Masitinib reduces itching and skin signs in dogs with atopic
By Cadot, Pierre et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2011·Clinique vé, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Masitinib decreases signs of canine atopic dermatitis: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with atopic dermatitis (a skin allergy causing itching and inflammation) were treated with a medication called masitinib for 12 weeks. About 61% of the dogs receiving masitinib showed significant improvement in their skin condition, compared to only 35% of those given a placebo. The dogs treated with masitinib also had a greater reduction in itching, and many owners reported that the treatment worked well for their pets. While some dogs experienced side effects, most were manageable, and masitinib was found to be an effective option for dogs with severe skin allergies that didn't respond to other treatments.
People also search for: dog itching treatment · atopic dermatitis in dogs · masitinib for dog skin allergies
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy and safety of masitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor capable of downregulating mast cell functions, for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Dogs with confirmed CAD received masitinib at 12.5 mg/kg/day (n = 202) or control (n = 104) for 12 weeks. A reduction in CAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-02) score of ≥ 50% at week 12 was observed in 61% of masitinib-treated dogs versus 35% of control dogs (P < 0.001), according to the modified intent-to-treat population. For dogs resistant to ciclosporin and/or corticosteroids (60% of the study population), CADESI-02 response rates were 60 versus 31%, respectively (P = 0.004). The mean reduction in pruritus score of severely pruritic dogs was 46 versus 29%, respectively (P = 0.045). Furthermore, 65% of owners with severely pruritic dogs assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P = 0.05). Overall, 63% of investigators assessed masitinib efficacy as good/excellent versus 35% control (P < 0.001). Premature discontinuations from the modified intent-to-treat population (28.2% masitinib versus 26.0% control) were mainly due to adverse events (13.4 versus 4.8%, respectively) or lack of efficacy (12.4 versus 18.3%, respectively). In total, 13.2% dogs presented with severe adverse events (16.0% masitinib versus 7.7% control). Masitinib showed a risk of reversible protein loss, although regular surveillance of blood albumin and proteinuria allowed for discontinuation of treatment while the dog was still clinically asymptomatic. Masitinib proved to be an effective and mostly well-tolerated treatment of CAD, including severe and refractory cases, with medically manageable adverse effects.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21668810/