Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Liver and blood side effects in dogs using azathioprine every other
By Eberhardy, Aurrielle C et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2022·McKeever Dermatology Clinics, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression with alternate day use of azathioprine and glucocorticoids for treatment of dermatological conditions in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 41 dogs with skin problems were treated with azathioprine (AZA) every other day along with glucocorticoids to see if this approach would reduce the risk of liver damage and blood cell issues. Only two dogs (about 5%) showed signs of liver damage after starting treatment, which is a lower rate than expected for daily use of AZA. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with no significant blood cell problems reported. This suggests that using AZA every other day can be a safer option for dogs with dermatological conditions.
People also search for: dog skin problems treatment · azathioprine side effects in dogs · glucocorticoids for dog skin issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of azathioprine (AZA) in dogs is limited by the potential for hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of AZA-associated hepatotoxicity in dogs with dermatological conditions receiving alternate-day AZA. The hypothesis was that dogs receiving AZA every other day (EOD) would have a lower prevalence of hepatotoxicity compared to published data for dogs receiving daily AZA. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of AZA-associated myelosuppression over the same time period and population. ANIMALS: Forty-one client-owned dogs with dermatological conditions treated with AZA EOD and glucocorticoids with clinical and haematological follow-up available for a minimum of two months of AZA therapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from April 1994 to July 2020. Hepatotoxicity was defined as elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at least twofold above the reference range. RESULTS: Azathioprine-associated hepatotoxicity was observed in two of 41 dogs (4.9%), with onset at 18 and 40 days, respectively. One dog receiving AZA at 1.9 mg/kg EOD had a fourfold increase in ALT. The other dog (AZA dose 2.3 mg/kg EOD) had a 30-fold increase in ALT. Azathioprine was not associated with thrombocytopenia, anaemia or neutropenia in any dogs. Lymphopenia developed in one dog (2.4%) with onset at 105 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alternate-day AZA administration with tapering glucocorticoids was well-tolerated in dogs with dermatological conditions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36000613/