Oclacitinib & Feline Dermatitis
Feline allergic skin disease is a common dermatological problem, with relief of pruritus the primary goal of treatment. Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase-inhibitor licensed for use in dogs to manage allergic pruritus and atopic dermatitis. The goal of this open, uncontrolled pilot study was to evaluate efficacy, safety, and ease of administration to cats with allergic skin disease.
Twelve cats, >12 months of age and weighing >3 kg, received oclacitinib (mean, 0.47 mg/kg; range, 0.42 to 0.56 mg/kg) twice a day for 14 days, then once a day for 14 days. Response to therapy was monitored via a visual analog scale and the validated Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis system. All owners rated ease of administration as good or excellent. Owners rated efficacy as good or excellent in 4/12 cats, fair in 3/12, and poor in 5/12 cats. No association was noted between successful outcome and lesion type or severity, administered oclacitinib, and previous duration of disease. The drug was well-tolerated. Further research into different dosages is warranted.
Commentary
Although the findings in this study are somewhat disappointing, it is important to remember that the drug dose used was established for dogs, not cats. It is likely that the dose needed for cats is different (eg, higher and/or twice a day). The dose for cyclosporine in cats is higher (7 mg/kg) than for dogs (5 mg/kg). Not all drugs work in all patients, and that may be another factor.—Karen A. Moriello, DVM, DACVD