Pentoxifylline for the Management of Pruritus in Canine Atopic Dermatitis: An Open Clinical Trial with 37 Dogs

Abstract

Thirty-seven dogs with chronic canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) were treated with pentoxifylline (PTX), 25 mg/kg every 12 hours, given orally with food for at least 4 weeks. Sixteen dogs (43%) were successfully managed: with PTX alone (7 dogs, 19%), PTX with allergen-specific immunotherapy (5 dogs, 13.5%), or PTX with oral glucocorticoids (4 dogs, 10.5%), with follow-up periods of 5 months to 2.5 years. PTX was well-tolerated: one dog refused to take the drug, and one dog developed diarrhea. PTX was found to be a useful nonsteroidal antipruritic agent for many dogs with CAD.

Therapeutic management of canine atopic dermatitis by combination of pentoxifylline and PUFAs

“…During the study period, two animals from group 1 vomited after taking PTX, and no other adverse effects were observed. Our observations are in agreement with findings of Scott and Miller (2007).…”

“…, 2001). It is also a useful adjunctive therapeutic agent in dogs receiving allergen‐specific immunotherapy (Scott & Miller, 2007). PTX is rapidly absorbed and metabolized in dogs after oral administration, and well tolerated (Marsella, 2000).…”

“…However, there was no statistically significant difference between group II and group I on day 30, but higher recovery was found in group II. PTX was found to be a useful nonsteroidal, antipruritic agent for many dogs with CAD (Scott & Miller, 2007). Our findings are in agreement with the same.…”

Hereditary Pyogranuloma and Vasculitis of the Nasal Plane in Scottish Terriers: Two New Cases from Argentina and the United States

“…One of the authors (DWS) discussed the histopathological findings and clinical diagnosis with the local veterinarian. Treatment options discussed included prednisolone, pentoxifylline 7) , and cyclosporine 3) . The dog was treated with prednisolone (2 mg/kg orally, every 24 hours) and cyclosporine (5 mg/kg orally, every 24 hours, with food).…”

Effects of pentoxifylline on immediate and late-phase cutaneous reactions in response to anti–immunoglobulin E antibodies in clinically normal dogs

“…[9][10][11][12][13] In addition, it has been reported to be of benefit in the treatment of some nonischemic cutaneous inflammatory disorders, including allergic contact dermatitis. 14 More recently, a small number of studies [15][16][17] have investigated the use of pentoxifylline in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Results of 1 retrospective study 15 indicated that pentoxifylline (either administered alone or in addition to other treatments) was able to reduce pruritus to a level considered tolerable in 16 of 37 (43%) dogs with atopic dermatitis.…”