Supplementary therapy in canine atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Therapy for canine atopic dermatitis can be described as foundation or supplementary. Foundation therapy, which refers to allergen-specific immunotherapy, ciclosporin, glucocorticoids, lokivetmab and oclacitinib, is needed in all but the mildest of cases of canine atopic dermatitis. Supplementary therapies include drugs such as antihistamines, essential fatty acids, topical therapy and other systemic anti-inflammatory drugs. While it is uncommon for any of these supplementary drugs to provide adequate control of many cases of canine atopic dermatitis, they can reduce the frequency of relapse and reduce the amount of foundation therapy that is required when used in combination with them.