Background -Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease of dogs. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) initiates pro-inflammatory cytokine release in human AD and serum concentrations are correlated with disease severity.Hypothesis -Canine serum MIF concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and correlate with clinical lesion and pruritus scores.Animals -Client owned dogs (n = 49) diagnosed with AD and 17 healthy, unaffected control dogs were used for the study.Methods and materials -A commercially available MIF ELISA was optimized for the dog and serum from clinical cases used. Information regarding treatment, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, (CADESI-4) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) were recorded for each dog at the time of serum collection.Results -Dogs with AD which had not received steroid therapy and those treated with oclacitinib had significantly elevated serum MIF concentrations compared to controls. Concentrations of MIF were not significantly different in AD dogs receiving steroids compared to controls. There was no significant correlation between MIF concentrations and clinical scores (CADESI-4 or pVAS).Conclusions and clinical importance -Serum MIF concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and MIF might be a target for therapy.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is widely viewed as a safe, effective, management option for dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). Standard protocols require 2-3 months of weekly induction injections, requiring regular vet visits. A fast-track protocol involves delivery of this induction course over 6 hours. The purpose of this study was to establish the safety and suitability for implementation by veterinary practices.
MethodsDogs diagnosed with AD with positive intradermal results underwent fast-track ASIT induction with 12 subcutaneous injections of aqueous ASIT administered over 6-hours. Following admission and placement of an IV-catheter, patients underwent constant monitoring of vital signs and adverse reactions (attitude, pruritus, urticaria, oedema, GI signs). Owners were asked to provide updates at 2 weeks.
ResultsFast-track ASIT was administered to 55 dogs with 54 dogs completing the protocol. Adverse effects on the day were noted in 2/55 dogs, one had mild pruritus not requiring therapy, and one developed facial urticaria/oedema at the penultimate injection requiring IV steroids and cessation of the protocol. Owners reported urticaria in the same dog, and in another case, a swollen nose within 24 hours of discharge that resolved without therapy. Overall, 3/55 had adverse reactions during, or in the 24-hours following ASIT. All cases were considered mild with one patient stopping the protocol.
Statement (conclusions)This data suggests that fast-track ASIT is safe in dogs and could be offered by veterinary clinics able to provide monitoring and respond to adverse events.
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