Effects of oclacitinib on pruritus score of dogs with atopic dermatitis seen by the dermatology service of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences of the University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Brazil

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis gains worldwide attention due to its high incidence, and to recent discoveries about its complex pathophysiology. This study evaluated the effects of oclacitinib on pruritus scores of 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Levels of pruritus described by owners were diagnosed based on strict exclusion criteria, at 3 moments (days 0, 14 an 28), by quantitative and qualitative scales. In 85% of the dogs, oral administration of 0.4 - 0.6 mg/kg twice daily resulted in more than 50% reduction in pruritus level. The same dose once daily reduced pruritus in 80% of animals, being 44% the average reduction. None of them presented adverse reactions during the 28 days of evaluation. Oclacitinib has shown efficiency in the treatment of dogs with atopic dermatitis, with high rates of pruritus reduction in both dosages, especially when used every 12 hours.