A randomized, controlled study to evaluate the steroid sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis

Abstract

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial of 12 weeks' duration was undertaken in 60 dogs with atopic dermatitis to evaluate the steroid sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation. The dogs were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of borage seed oil and fish oil or a placebo, in addition to prednisolone tablets. All dogs received a standardized basal diet. Owners of the dogs recorded pruritus daily using a 10 cm visual analog scale and the dosage of prednisolone was established based on the pruritus score, according to written instructions. The dosage of prednisolone and the use of any concurrent treatment (shampoo and/or ear-cleanser) were recorded by the owner on a daily basis. The investigators graded the skin lesions at days 0, 42 and 84. The use of prednisolone during the test period was lower in the active group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). The test period was sequentially divided into 43-84, 50-84, 57-84, 64-84, 71-84 and 78-84 days. On day 64, the difference between the active group and the placebo group reached statistical significance (P = 0.04) with an increasing difference towards the end of the study. A statistically significant reduction in the pruritus scores and the total clinical scores from day 0 to day 84 was apparent in both groups (P < 0.0001). At the end of the study, both the pruritus score and the total clinical score were lower in the active group. Our findings indicate a steroid sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation in canine atopic dermatitis and, furthermore, that there is a time lag before the effect is attained.

Fatty acid patterns of dog erythrocyte membranes after feeding of a fish-oil based DHA-rich supplement with a base diet low in n-3 fatty acids versus a diet containing added n-3 fatty acids

“…Since in contrast to n-3 FA, n-6 FA were not equilibrated within the 12 weeks of the observation time it is important to conduct further studies in order to determine the equilibration time of n-6 FA. A slow equilibration process of n-6 FA could also explain the fact that, in spite of the rapid response of EM n-3 FA content, it takes a few weeks to observe beneficial effects of dietary n-3 FA supplementation in dogs[36,38]. …”

Nutritionally Responsive Dermatoses

“…88,89 However, there is some evidence that fatty acid supplementation can have an additive or synergistic effect when used in combination with systemic antiinflammatory medications, particularly corticosteroids. 91 After the initial lag period, this benefit continued and became more pronounced until the end of the study period at 84 days. 91 After the initial lag period, this benefit continued and became more pronounced until the end of the study period at 84 days.…”

A therapeutic approach to allergic pruritus in the dog

“…These supplements help maintain the epidermal barrier and may have an anti-inflammatory effect in the skin through changes in eicosanoid production. Many studies using EFAs fail to account for the EFAs in the diet being fed, but despite these limitations there is good evidence of their efficacy in some well-conducted trials (eg, Saevik and others 2004). I have had success with using an EFA-enriched diet (Dermatosis FP; Eukanuba), but a study comparing three EFA-enriched diets, including this diet, with a supermarket brand was less clear-cut.…”