Tacrolimus ointment helps treat localized skin lesions in dogs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) decreased the severity of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Twenty dogs with AD were enrolled if they exhibited skin lesions localized to both front metacarpi. Each foot was randomized to be treated either with 0.1% tacrolimus or placebo (vaseline) ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. The nature of treatment for each foot lesion was concealed from the clinician. Before, and every 2 weeks during the study, erythema, lichenification, oozing and excoriations each were graded on a 10‐point scale (maximal total score: 40). The primary outcome measures consisted of the percentage reduction from baseline of lesional scores, and the number of subjects whose scores had decreased by 50% or greater by the end of the study. Intent‐to‐treat analyses were used. At the beginning of the study, lesional scores were not significantly different between treatment groups. After 6 weeks, the percentage reduction from baseline scores was higher for tacrolimus‐treated sites [median: 63% (95% CI: 39–67)] than for placebo‐treated feet [3% (‐2‐13)] (paired t‐test; P < 0.0001). When tacrolimus was applied, lesions decreased by 50% or greater in 15 dogs (75%), while this benchmark was not reached for any placebo‐treated feet (Fisher's exact test; P < 0.0001). Adverse drug events consisted of minor irritation in some dogs treated with tacrolimus. Results of this randomized, controlled trial suggest that the daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment is useful for reducing the severity of localized skin lesions of canine AD. Funding: Self‐funded.