Evaluation of Two Induction Protocols for Oclacitinib in Dogs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Oclacitinib is approved for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (AD) and pruritus. The conventional administration protocol includes twice‐daily oral dosing for 14 days with a subsequent reduction to once‐daily administration. This reduction sometimes leads to an increase in pruritus. Hypothesis/Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the changes in skin lesions and pruritus following a shortened induction versus the conventional protocol for oclacitinib. Animals Forty‐five client‐owned dogs with AD were randomised into two groups. Material and Methods The conventional protocol group (CP) received oclacitinib tablets at 0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice‐daily for 14 days, then once‐daily for 7 days. In the shortened induction protocol group (SIP), oclacitinib was administered twice‐daily for 6 days, then once‐daily for 15 days. Pruritus was assessed daily by the owners using a pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS). Lesions were scored with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI) at Day (D) 0 and D21. Results Data from 40 dogs were available. Mean CADLI scores decreased from 13.4 to 8 in the CP group ( p = 0.12) and from 12.9 to 6.9 in the SIP group ( p = 0.01), respectively. Mean pruritus scores decreased from 6.4 to 2.1 and from 5.7 to 1.9, respectively ( p < 0.0001 each). No between‐group differences were observed. An increase in pruritus following dose reduction was seen in two dogs (CP) and one dog (SIP). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance The SIP was not significantly different to the CP with respect to improvement in lesion severity or pruritus.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Veterinary Dermatology, 2026 · DOI ↗