Evaluation of the effect of two dose rates of cyclosporine on the severity of perianal fistulae lesions and associated clinical signs in dogs

Abstract

Objective - To investigate the effect of cyclosporine (2 or 5 mg/kg every 24 hours) on perianal fistulae (PAF) lesions. Study Design - Blinded randomized, prospective trial. Animals - Dogs (n = 20) with perianal fistulae. Methods - Dogs were randomly assigned to administration of either 2 mg/kg (n = 10) or 5 mg/kg (n = 10) of cyclosporine orally every 24 hours for 8 weeks. Lesion surface area was measured, lesion severity was graded using a visual analog scale, and the presence and severity of clinical signs recorded every 2 weeks. Results - Lesion variables were significantly reduced in both groups after 8 weeks and owners also reported a reduction in clinical sign severity. The 5 mg/kg dose rate significantly accelerated lesion resolution compared with 2 mg/kg. In the 2 mg/kg group, 20% of dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs and 10% had resolution of lesions. In the 5 mg/kg group, 40% of dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs and 60% had resolution of lesions. Conclusions - A dose rate of 5 mg/kg every 24 hours was more effective at reducing the surface area and severity of PAF lesions than 2 mg/kg every 24 hours but less effective at resolving PAF lesions than previous studies using dose rates ≥ 5 mg/kg every 12 hours. Clinical Relevance - Cyclosporine at 5 mg/kg every 24 hours may be useful for the palliation of PAF lesions. © Copyright 2006 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.