Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Topical formulations are helpful and versatile management modalities for skin disorders. However, veterinary studies assessing their efficacies are limited. This study evaluated the effects of a protocol comprising the combined application of an Ophytrium-based shampoo and a leave-on mousse (DOUXO(®) S3 CALM range) on dogs with irritated and pruritic skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre, open-label, uncontrolled trial was conducted at 12 veterinary clinics in France, Spain and the United States. Included dogs underwent shampoo application on Day 0 (D0), followed by eight sessions of mousse application at 2- to 3-day intervals. Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-4 (CADESI-04) scores assessed by veterinarians and pruritus visual analogue scale (PVAS) scores reported by owners were evaluated weekly. RESULTS: Thirty-four dogs with atopy were included. The mean CADESI-04 score decreased significantly from 24.2 on D0 to 11.9 on Day 21 (D21), with 61.8% of the dogs achieving ≥50 decrease in their CADESI-04 scores by D21. Additionally, the mean PVAS score decreased significantly from 5.3 on D0 to 3.6 on D21, with 44.1% of the dogs exhibiting ≥50% decrease in their PVAS scores by D21. Veterinarians considered the improvements to be satisfactory, good or excellent in 66.7% of cases. Pet owners were satisfied with the performance of the protocol in 72.7% of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The standardized topical protocol described herein, when used alone or as an adjuvant treatment to systemic therapy, significantly improved both CADESI-04 scores and pruritus in atopic dogs presenting with skin flares and mild-to-moderate intensity skin lesions.