TREATMENT OF CANINE ATOPIC-DERMATITIS WITH MISOPROSTOL, A PROSTAGLANDIN E-1 ANALOG - AN OPEN STUDY

In humans and dogs, atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with immediat e and late-phase hypersensitivity reactions directed against environme ntal allergens. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E-1 analogue, has recentl y proved useful in selectively inhibiting the allergen-induced late-ph ase reaction (LPR) in atopic humans. Our objectives were to determine whether misoprostol monotherapy might be effective in decreasing pruri tus and clinical signs in dogs with uncomplicated AD. Of 20 dogs enter ed, 18, receiving misoprostol (6 mu g/kg three times daily) as sole tr eatment for 30 days, completed the study. Posttreatment lesional and p ruritus scores were significantly lower than pretreatment values (P < 0.0001). A reduction of more than 50% in the lesional and pruritus sco res was observed in 61% and 56% of the dogs, respectively. Adverse eff ects consisted of mild intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. The present study suggests that LPR inhibitors may be effective in canine AD. The se results need to be confirmed in future blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials.