Fexofenadine treatment of atopic dogs: Preliminary clinical results

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the antihistamine fexofenadine versus methylprednisolone in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Eight dogs were included in the study and randomly allocated to two groups of four animals. The first group (F) received oral fexofenadine and the second group (M) received methylprednisolone. Over a period of 6 weeks, we evaluated the CADESI (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent Severity Index) score and the pruritus score and made measurements of biochemical blood indicators (AP, ALT, AST, urea, creatinine) on three occasions. The study results did not reveal any statistically significant differences compared to baseline in AST, ALT, AP, urea and creatinine values in any of the treated groups and at any of the time points during the treatment (p > 0.112). The mean CADESI values and the severity of pruritus were reduced by more than 50% in both groups during the treatment course. There were no statistically significant differences between group M and group F. A statistically significant difference compared to the baseline was found in the reduction of the CADESI score in group F in the sixth week of treatment (p = 0.011). There was also a significant reduction compared to the baseline in the severity of pruritus ingroup M in the third (p = 0.004) and sixth week of treatment (p = 0.022). Our results indicate the possible use of fexofenadine in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs, as it was demonstrated safe and effective in comparison with methylprednisolone.