Double‐blinded Study Examining the Effects of Evening Primrose Oil on Feline Pruritic Dermatitis

Abstract

Abstract— The object of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) liquid (Efamol Vet; Guildford, U.K.) to decrease the signs of feline pruritic skin disease. Cats were accepted into the study if their dermatologic signs were related to probable flea allergy and/or atopy, their signs did not abate with increased flea control alone and they were not on any concurrent anti‐inflammatory drugs or supplements. They were initially placed on 4 weeks of intense flea control then randomly in a double‐blinded manner placed on either 8 weeks of EPO liquid or olive oil (control). Pruritus, erythema, self‐trauma, alopecia and overall dermatologic condition were monitored and scored at 4‐week intervals for the entire 12 weeks of study. The mean of each parameter for each group (EPO or olive oil) was compared to itself over time and to the other group using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. No significant difference (P≪ 0.05) was noted over time or between groups for any of the five parameters.

Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome – a systematic review

“…In one prospective, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study 15 cats either received evening primrose oil (EPO) or olive oil as the placebo for 12 weeks 61 . There was one prospective, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study evaluating 15 cats with FASS, 61 two randomised studies with 11 54 and 14 53 atopic cats, one prospective study with 10 cats with FASS (and 18 cats with food allergy, flea bite hypersensitivity or miliary dermatitis, self‐induced alopecia or eosinophilic granuloma without further diagnostic work‐up) 39 and 12 cats with miliary dermatitis, 55 respectively. In another study, healthy cats were given essential fatty acids as a supplement to a standard diet 98 .…”

“…In another study, healthy cats were given essential fatty acids as a supplement to a standard diet 98 . In some studies, cytological evaluation, fungal cultures, skin scrapings, flea control and elimination diets were performed as needed before inclusion to confirm the diagnosis of FASS 53,54,61 . In others, cats showed clinical features of FASS, and differential diagnoses were not 55 or not always 39 evaluated.…”

“…Two owners in each group considered their cats partially improved. 61 In another randomised study, 11 cats received either EPO (n = 6) or sunflower oil (n = 5) for 12 weeks. Mean overall clinical, self-trauma and crusted papule scores decreased by >50% in both groups.…”

Effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis

“…Supplementation with essential fatty acids has been reported as a successful alternative to glucocorticoid therapy in the treatment of pruritic dermatoses in dogs Lloyd 1992b, Logas andKunkle 1994) and cats (Harvey 1991, Logas and Kunkle 1993 anisms of action include modulation of eicosanoid production, inhibition of cellular activation and an increase in the epidermal barrier function. Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3) and dihomogammalinoleic acid ([DHGLA], omega-6) both compete with arachidonic acid ([AA], omega-6) as a substrate for cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, which converts these fatty acids to prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs), respectively (Wright 1991).…”

The efficacy of cetirizine hydrochloride on the pruritus of cats with atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study

“…Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is considered to be a safe treatment in cats but may take several months before obvious benefit is noted, is relatively expensive and is usually given by subcutaneous administration . Essential fatty acids are also a safe alternative but have not been shown to be effective as a single treatment . Antihistamines have been used to treat feline AD .…”