BackgroundPruritus is the hallmark clinical sign of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. Preliminary study results suggest that oclacitinib, a selective Janus kinase inhibitor, could reduce pruritus and associated inflammatory skin lesions in dogs with AD.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objective was to evaluate efficacy and safety of oclacitinib (Apoquel®) for the control of AD in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.AnimalsClinicians at 18 specialty clinics enrolled client‐owned dogs (n = 299) with a history of chronic AD.MethodsDogs were randomized to receive either oclacitinib (0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days and then once daily for up to 112 days) or an excipient‐matched placebo. Owners assessed visual analog scale (VAS) scores of pruritus on days 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Clinicians assessed Canine AD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐02) scores on days 0, 14, 28, 56, 84 and 112.ResultsOn days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28, oclacitinib‐treated dogs had a 29.5, 42.3, 61.5, 66.7 and 47.4% reduction from baseline in owner‐assessed pruritus scores, respectively, compared with a 6.5, 9.1, 6.5, 3.9 and 10.4% reduction in placebo‐treated dogs. On days 14 and 28, dermatologists recorded a 48.4% reduction in CADESI‐02 scores in oclacitinib‐treated dogs compared with a 1.7% reduction and a 3.6% increase in placebo‐treated dogs. After day 28, >86% of all placebo‐treated dogs had moved to an open‐label study, making between‐group comparisons biased. Differences were significant at all time points assessed (P < 0.0001).Conclusions and clinical importanceOclacitinib provided rapid, effective and safe control of AD, with substantial improvement in VAS and CADESI‐02 scores.

BackgroundOclacitinib (Apoquel®) inhibits the function of a variety of pro-inflammatory, pro-allergic and pruritogenic cytokines that are dependent on Janus kinase enzyme activity. Oclacitinib selectively inhibits Janus kinase 1.Hypothesis/ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.MethodsClient-owned dogs (n = 436) with moderate to severe owner-assessed pruritus and a presumptive diagnosis of allergic dermatitis were enrolled. Dogs were randomized to either oclacitinib at 0.4–0.6 mg/kg orally twice daily or an excipient-matched placebo. An enhanced 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) was used by the owners to assess the severity of pruritus from day 0 to 7 and by veterinarians to assess the severity of dermatitis on days 0 and 7. Dogs could remain on the study for 28 days.ResultsPretreatment owner and veterinary VAS scores were similar for the two treatment groups. Oclacitinib produced a rapid onset of efficacy within 24 h. Mean oclacitinib Owner Pruritus VAS scores were significantly better than placebo scores (P < 0.0001) on each assessment day. Pruritus scores decreased from 7.58 to 2.59 cm following oclacitinib treatment. The day 7 mean oclacitinib Veterinarian Dermatitis VAS scores were also significantly better (P < 0.0001) than placebo scores. Diarrhoea and vomiting were reported with similar frequency in both groups.Conclusions and clinical importanceIn this study, oclacitinib provided rapid, effective and safe control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis, with owners and veterinarians noting substantial improvements in pruritus and dermatitis VAS scores.

Background -Oclacitinib is safe and effective for treating dogs with pruritus associated with allergic and atopic dermatitis, based on randomized clinical trials of up to 4 months duration.Hypothesis/Objectives -This study assessed long-term safety, efficacy and quality of life of oclacitinib-treated dogs enrolled in a compassionate use programme.Animals -Two hundred and forty-seven client-owned dogs with allergic skin disease that had previously benefited from oclacitinib therapy.Methods -Dogs were enrolled in an open-label study at 26 veterinary clinics. Dogs received 0.4-0.6 mg/kg oclacitinib twice a day for 14 days, then once a day for up to 630 days. Assessments were performed at~90 day intervals. Owners completed a quality-of-life survey and assessed pruritus using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at each clinic visit. Veterinarians assessed dermatitis using a similar VAS. Abnormal health events, concomitant medication and clinical pathology results were summarized.Results -Visual Analog Scale scores showed improvement from baseline at all time points. The percentage of dogs showing ≥50% reduction from baseline on day 90 was 63.9% for pruritus and 66.4% for dermatitis. Owners saw a positive impact on quality of life in >91% of all dogs. Urinary tract infection/cystitis, vomiting, otitis, pyoderma and diarrhoea were the most frequently reported (>5% of dogs) abnormal clinical signs. Haematology and serum chemistry means remained within the normal reference ranges. Concomitant medications were well tolerated.Conclusions and clinical importance -Results indicated that oclacitinib was safe and efficacious for long-term use and improved the quality of life for dogs in this study.

A single cefovecin injection (8 mg/kg) administered SC, which could be repeated once after 14 days, was safe and effective against naturally occurring skin infections in dogs and as effective as cefadroxil administered PO twice daily for 14 or 28 days.

Background Frunevetmab, a felinized antinerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, effectively decreases osteoarthritis (OA) pain in cats. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of frunevetmab given at monthly intervals in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, double‐blind superiority study. Animals Two hundred seventy‐five client‐owned cats with naturally‐occurring OA pain and associated mobility impairment and disability. Methods Randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, double‐blind, superiority study. Following screening, cats received frunevetmab (nominal dose of 1.0 mg/kg, SC [effective dose range of 1.0‐2.8 mg/kg]) or placebo on days 0, 28, and 56. Outcome measures were owner questionnaires and veterinary physical and orthopedic evaluations at days 28, 56, and 84. Success/failure rates (and numbers needed treat, NNT) and change in scores (and standardized effect size, ES) were analyzed. Results Frunevetmab (182) and placebo (93) treated cats were enrolled and received at least 1 treatment. Significant improvement with frunevetmab over placebo occurred at days 28 and 56 for the client specific outcome measures (CSOM) questionnaire (success rates and total scores [NNT of 9 and ES of 0.3 at day 56]); at days 28 and 56 for owner‐assessed global treatment response; and at days 56 and 84 for veterinarian‐assessed joint pain (ES of 0.18 at day 56). Adverse events did not differ between groups, except skin disorders which collectively occurred significantly more frequently in frunevetmab treated (32/182 cats) vs placebo (8/93 cats). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Frunevetmab has the potential to address a critical gap in the treatment of pain because of osteoarthritis in cats.

A single dose of tulathromycin (SC) was an effective treatment of calves with experimentally induced infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. The long serum half-life of tulathromycin, along with the results of this trial, suggests that tulathromycin may be a rational choice as a single-injection treatment for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

1 SC injection of 8 mg of cefovecin/kg for the treatment of cats with naturally occurring skin infections (wounds and abscesses) was safe and as effective as cefadroxil administered orally at 22 mg/kg, once daily for 14 days.

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