Research Note: Snail Mucus for Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Management of canine atopic dermatitis requires a multimodal approach that includes allergen-specific immunotherapy, antipruritic medications, barrier restructuring agents, and skin and coat care. New therapeutic approaches may minimize the need for broad-spectrum therapies (eg, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine) and enable targeted, natural treatment. Mucus from snails (ie, Helix aspersa Müller) is rich in substances (ie, hyaluronic acid, mucopolysaccharides, polyphenols, bioactive minerals) that act as a protective barrier to the skin and counteract damage associated with oxidative stress.¹ 

This in vitro study investigated use of a snail mucus filtrate to modulate expression of inflammatory mediators (eg, cytokines) for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Mucus significantly reduced release of interleukin-6, -8, and -17A and inhibited expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in cell lines of canine epidermal keratinocytes. Snail mucus filtrate may potentially be useful for management of canine atopic dermatitis.