Veterinary session

The aim of our study was to compare the new agent oclacitinib (Apoquel® tablet) with other drug treatments in dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis. The study was based on patients who took part in dermatological consultation and were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at the Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and at the Veterinary Hematology and Oncology Centre between the 1st January 2014 and 28th June 2015. In our study 75 dogs took part with their owners in 5 different groups, depending on the therapy they received. There were 15 dogs in each group. The first group of dogs were treated with oclacitinib, the second group with ciclosporin, the third with glucocorticoids, the fourth one with immunotherapy and the fifth with antihistamines and supplementary therapy.

Evaluation was made by owners and veterinarians, too. Owners used an enhanced 10 unit visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the severity of pruritus. Zero was normal and 10 was extremely severe itch. The veterinary evaluation was based on CADESI (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index). Rating was made before and after the therapy, in the second or third month and in some cases in the twelfth month.

The pruritus in the first group treated with oclacitinib according to owners scores reduced from 7,6 to 1,8 and CADESI scores from 53,93 to 17,4. Treatment was stopped after one week in a dog from the oclacitinib group because of oligodipsia, permanently high hematocrit value, thickened gastric wall . Other groups VAS reduced like: 2nd group: from 7,68 to 3,6; 3rd group: from 7,47 to 2,24; 4th group: from 7,47 to 3,07; 5th group: from 5,64 to 3,22. CADESI scores changed like: 2nd group: from 54,2 to 23,6; 3rd group: from 52,6 to 16,93; 4th group: from 51,8 to 24,13; 5th group: from 41,53 to 26,4.

It made our work difficult, that oclacitinib was not available in Hungary during the study. Owners had to order the medication from abroad and the high prices made more difficulties. To recognize the side effects we will need other studies performing longer treating time with oclacitinib.

Nevertheless Apoquel® with the active agent oclacitinib could ensure a better quality of life in dogs with atopic dermatitis, at home and abroad as well.