The use of oclacitinib compared to azathioprine in the management of canine pemphigus foliaceus: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: Oclacitinib (Apoquel; Zoetis) has been reported to be beneficial for treating immune-mediated disorders. Hypothesis/Objectives: This retrospective study evaluates in which group of dogs [oclacitinib (OC) or azathioprine (AZ)] remission of pemphigus foliaceus (PF) was more effectively achieved with matched induction dosing of glucocorticoids; it further evaluates which group had a higher glucocorticoid-sparing effect. Animals: Review of 30 medical records of dogs diagnosed with PF presented to a private practice dermatological service. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of dogs diagnosed with PF and treated with OC or AZ in combination with glucocorticoids. Results: There was no significant difference in the ability to induce remission between AZ and OC groups. In the AZ group, 13 of 15 dogs went into some type of remission (partial or complete), compared with 11 of 15 in the OC group. There was no significant difference between the two groups for the glucocorticoid-sparing effect. The AZ group had an average reduction of 77.9% from the induction glucocorticoid dose, and OC group had an average reduction of 64.4%. One of 15 patients in the AZ group and three of 15 patients in the OC group had a 100% reduction of the glucocorticoid dose. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: These results indicate that OC can be considered as a treatment option for canine PF.