Evidence‐base for the beneficial effect of nutraceuticals in canine dermatological immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases — A literature review

Abstract

Background Immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are associated with an abnormal immune response, resulting in a disturbed homeostasis and chronic inflammation. Most canine dermatological IMIDs (cDIMIDs), such as allergies, autoimmune and immune‐mediated diseases, require long‐term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs with potential adverse effects. In general, nutraceuticals are thought to be safe. As a result, there is a tendency for the more frequent use of nutraceuticals in veterinary medicine. Objectives The aim of this review was to present evidence‐based proof for the use of various nutraceuticals in the treatment of cDIMIDs and, where possible, to provide conclusions to guide their use in veterinary dermatological practice. Methods A comprehensive literature search on common cDIMIDs and nutraceuticals was performed. Only peer‐reviewed articles published in English and related to the study topic were included. A total of 64 eligible publications were classified in five categories based on study design and substantively assessed on additional criteria such as standardisation of diets and number of included animals. For final appraisal, classification of major, minor or no evidence was used whereby efficacy was based on clinical outcome measurements. Conclusions Minor evidence for the beneficial use of several nutraceuticals, including essential fatty acids, niacinamide and probiotics, was found for treatment of specific cDIMIDs. These nutraceuticals may improve clinical signs or reduce the required dose of concurrent medication (e.g. drug‐sparing effect) in some dogs. Some nutraceuticals also may be used for long‐term maintenance therapy. Despite some promising findings, major evidence for the use of nutraceuticals in cDIMIDs is lacking, warranting further research.

A randomised, double‐blinded, controlled trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapy of oclacitinib and marine oil extract PCSO‐524 in dogs with atopic dermatitis

“…Despite being a relatively short‐term study compared to other clinical studies on fatty acids, the current study aimed to observe the efficacy of synergistic therapy of PCSO‐524 and oclacitinib. A review paper has reviewed 25 studies that evaluated the efficacy of various commercial fatty acid supplements containing omega‐3 and/or omega‐6 FA for treating cAD 13 . The studies were categorised based on the duration of treatment, with short‐term studies lasting 2–8 weeks and long‐term studies lasting 8–16 weeks.…”

“…A review paper has reviewed 25 studies that evaluated the efficacy of various commercial fatty acid supplements containing omega-3 and/or omega-6 FA for treating cAD. 13 The studies were categorised based on the duration of treatment, with shortterm studies lasting 2-8 weeks and long-term studies lasting 8-16 weeks. During short-term observation, the focus is primarily on changes in pruritus and clinical improvement.…”

Replenishing NAD+ content reduces aspects of striated muscle disease in a dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

“…The treatment duration was 1 month starting from 5 months of age, the day after the baseline in vivo functional evaluation tests and muscle biopsies. 1 …”

Effects of a Protocol Combining a Non-Irritating Shampoo and an Adelmidrol-Based Adsorbent Mousse on Seborrhoea and Other Signs and Symptoms Secondary to Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicenter, Open-Label Uncontrolled Clinical Trial

“…There is a great deal of interest in natural compounds with fewer side effects that can reduce or completely eliminate the need for medications used for cAD [ 9 , 15 ]. Also, there is growing evidence about the existence of the cutaneous endocannabinoid system and its involvement in allergic diseases in the canine species [ 16 ].…”