Allergen-specific immunotherapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis: is owner compliance the main success-limiting factor?

Abstract

BackgroundWhile the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) to treat canine atopic dermatitis has been well established, it remains unclear why not all dogs show the same response to treatment. The goal of the study was to determine the relationship between duration of ASIT and two measurements of success: disease severity and concomitant medication sparing effect.MethodsData were retrospectively compiled for 145 dogs with atopic dermatitis treated with ASIT. As a measure of treatment compliance, cases were stratified into dogs treated for less than 12 months or for at least 12 months. Treatment efficacy, defined as a reduction in disease severity score (scale 0–10), was compared between both groups, and correlations between treatment success and several related factors were examined.ResultsASIT treatment duration was strongly correlated with treatment efficacy. Animals treated for less than 12 months showed lower efficacy rates (22 per cent) than those treated for at least 12 months (65 per cent). Further, in animals treated for at least 12 months, concomitant medications were reduced more (87 per cent) than in animals treated for less than 12 months (39 per cent).ConclusionA lack of owner compliance emerged as the main factor explaining the reduced effectiveness of ASIT. To improve treatment adherence, veterinarians and owners need to be better informed about ASIT mechanisms of action before starting treatment.

Detecting common allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis in South Korean Provinces using a serological immunoglobulin E-specific allergen test

“…The etiology of CAD is not fully understood. The condition was assumed to be caused by interactions between the animal's immune system, genetic preparedness (susceptibility), and dietary or environmental allergen exposure [4,5]. CAD can be caused by a variety of allergens, including mites such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, molds such as Aspergillus fumigatus, and a number of trees and grass, meat, and dairy products [6,7].…”

Determination of the efficacy rate and time‐to‐efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis

“…2 That there is a slower response of immunotherapy is supported by a recent report suggesting that ASIT lasting longer than one year was more effective than shorter treatment durations. 4 At this time, however, there is no clear information on the comparative efficacy rate (ER) and TTE following various types of ASIT in atopic dogs. Knowing such parameters would aid in a comparison of immunotherapy protocols and assist veterinarians and pet owners in understanding how long a dog would need to receive anti-allergic drugs while waiting for a clinical benefit from ASIT.…”

“…the time‐to‐efficacy (TTE) or response time] of ASIT in atopic dogs is expected to be slower than that of the aforementioned anti‐allergic drugs and biologicals 2 . That there is a slower response of immunotherapy is supported by a recent report suggesting that ASIT lasting longer than one year was more effective than shorter treatment durations 4 …”

Compliance in canine epilepsy: can the owner be the cause of treatment failure?

“…IN both human and veterinary medicine, medication compliance is a major contributor to the success of therapy 1,2 . However, despite the availability of effective medicines for many chronic diseases, compliance with long‐term treatment can be as low as 50 per cent 3,4 . This low level of compliance leads to poor outcomes and contributes to increases in morbidity and mortality 1 …”

“…1,2 However, despite the availability of effective medicines for many chronic diseases, compliance with long-term treatment can be as low as 50 per cent. 3,4 This low level of compliance leads to poor outcomes and contributes to increases in morbidity and mortality. 1 Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in dogs worldwide, and it can severely compromise the quality-of-life of affected animals.…”