Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Do pet owners fear using steroids for dog skin allergies?
By Han, Hock Siew et al.Ā·Published in Veterinary dermatologyĀ·2026Ā·CityU Veterinary Medical Centre, ChinaĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: VETCOP: A New Tool for Understanding Pet Owner Topical Steroid Treatment Phobias in the Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Study From China and Singapore.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A recent study looked into the fears that pet owners have about using topical corticosteroids (a type of anti-inflammatory cream) for dogs with atopic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes itching and inflammation). Researchers surveyed 363 dog owners from China and Singapore and found that many had significant concerns about these medications. Female pet owners and those over 60 years old were particularly worried, often seeking reassurance before using these treatments. The study suggests that these fears could lead to not following treatment plans properly, which might result in the condition not improving. Overall, it highlights the importance of clear communication between veterinarians and pet owners about the use of topical corticosteroids.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) phobia refers to the negative feelings and beliefs related to TCS. TCS phobia may lead to a lack of adherence to therapy and treatment failure in patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: To quantify TCS phobia amongst pet owners of dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) with the hypothesis that there is no TCS phobia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) questionnaire adapted for veterinary use-termed Veterinary Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (VETCOP)-plus four additional questions were uploaded onto an online platform. Pet owners of dogs diagnosed with cAD from China and Singapore were recruited into the study via a QR code, and data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: In total, 363 respondents (276 female, 87 male) were enrolled in this study. The global median VETCOP score was 52.8%, with females exhibiting higher TCS scores compared to males, and older (> 60-year-old) pet owners expressing higher TCS scores than other age brackets. Surveyed pet owners expressed utmost concerns about their need for reassurances when TCS are prescribed and their willingness to pay for more expensive allergic medication other than glucocorticoids (topical or systemic). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the findings of this study, TCS phobia could potentially be a widespread problem in veterinary dermatology, and veterinary surgeons may be the only source of information regarding the use of TCS on pets. The failure to communicate or reassure pet owners when TCS is prescribed may lead to therapeutic failure.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41424073/