Efficacy of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy in atopic dogs: A retrospective study of 664 cases

Abstract

Background: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is an allergic skin disease affecting approximately 10% of dogs. allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is currently the only treatment option able to induce tolerance to the causative allergens.Objective: To retrospectively establish the efficacy of ASIT in atopic dogs. Animals: Client-owned (n = 664) dogs with cAD presented between 2008 and 2018 to two dermatology referral clinics. Materials and Methods: Clinical records of atopic dogs were reviewed to obtain information including the results of the intradermal skin test and/or allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E serological results, the allergens included in the ASIT, concurrent symptomatic medications, and ASIT efficacy after at least 9 months.Results: Excellent (ASIT alone controlled clinical signs), good (≥50% reduction of clinical signs) and poor (<50% improvement) responses were seen in 31.5%, 28.5% and 40.1% of the dogs, respectively. No significant differences in efficacy were associated with breed, sex, age at initiation of ASIT, type of allergens in ASIT, and between clinics. Dogs re-examined regularly responded significantly better to ASIT than dogs that did not (>50% improvement in 69.3% and 55.4% of the dogs, respectively). Dogs treated with ASIT and concomitant systemic glucocorticoids showed a significantly poorer response (success rate of >50% improvement of 38.5%). Conclusions and clinical importance:In 59.9% of atopic dogs, subcutaneous ASIT can improve clinical signs by ≥50%. The beneficial effect of ASIT is higher if dogs are re-examined regularly and if systemic long-term corticosteroids are avoided, at least during the first 9 months of ASIT.

Long‐term effects of ciclosporin and oclacitinib on mediators of tolerance, regulatory T‐cells, IL‐10 and TGF‐β, in dogs with atopic dermatitis

“…A better understanding of the effect of anti‐allergic medication on tolerance induction could answer clinicians' questions about the use of concurrent medications with AIT treatment. A recent retrospective study on the efficacy of AIT in dogs treated concurrently with CSA or oclacitinib did not show any statistical difference in the overall efficacy of AIT, in contrast to a decreased efficacy when glucocorticoids were used 29 . However, this study did not measure any tolerance mediators.…”

“…A recent retrospective study on the efficacy of AIT in dogs treated concurrently with CSA or oclacitinib did not show any statistical difference in the overall efficacy of AIT, in contrast to a decreased efficacy when glucocorticoids were used. 29 However, this study did not measure any tolerance mediators. Ciclosporin directly impairs activation of Treg cells and inhibits their proliferation indirectly by depleting IL-2.…”

Quality of Life of Allergic Dogs Treated with Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy—A Retrospective Study

“…Regular communication with owners of allergic dogs seems to be important, as an experienced clinician can provide much support. The importance of communication has been recognized by other authors, as this improves both dog owner compliance [ 3 ] and the positive effect of ASIT [ 12 ]. In our study, it was indeed the case that the majority of owners of CG rarely sought additional advice before being invited to participate in the study.…”

“…It is the only current allergy treatment that can alter or reverse at least part of the immune response in this condition, thereby both relieving clinical symptoms and preventing disease progression. This modification is accomplished without the possible long-term adverse effects of a lifetime of drug treatment, with minimal adverse effects, and with the potential of long-lasting effectiveness [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Efficacy of short‐term combination of intralymphatic allergen immunotherapy and lokivetmab treatment in canine atopic dermatitis: A double‐blinded, controlled, randomised study

“…15 Clinical efficacy of SCIT is estimated at 50%-70% in cAD and may take up to nine or 12 months. [15][16][17][18][19] Attempts have been made to increase the efficacy and to decrease the time of onset to clinical effectiveness. In this regard, sublingual immunotherapy, subcutaneous immunotherapy with conjugated immunomodulatory compounds and allergen-specific rush immunotherapy have been studied in atopic dogs.…”