Patient enrolment
Client-owned dogs, of two predisposed breeds (French bulldog, Labrador retriever) with spontaneous, nonseasonal, mite-sensitive CAD were enrolled after owner consent. CAD diagnosis was based on compatible history and clinical signs, exclusion of resembling/overlapping skin diseases, and positive allergen-specific IgE serology for domestic mites (>150EA Units, LETIPharma S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain).
Concomitant positive IgE serology for seasonal allergens was accepted, as the symptomatology was perennial, and, therefore considered minor/subclinical. Dogs with concurrent adverse food reaction were included, if controlled, and the diet was unchanged throughout the study. A veterinarian-approved flea control regimen must have been ongoing. Concomitant antipruritic medications were allowed, including systemic/topical steroids and oclacitinib, if given for at least four weeks, and ciclosporin/lokivetmab, if given for at least eight weeks, at unchanged doses before inclusion. Introduction of new treatments was not allowed throughout the study, except for focal application of topical antibacterial and antiseptic products. Essential fatty acid supplements were permitted if ongoing for at least four weeks before inclusion.
Exclusion criteria included prior treatment with AIT, parasitic infestation, uncontrolled bacterial/yeast infection, concomitant disease unrelated to CAD, or pregnant/lactating dogs.
Study withdrawal was mandatory for unacceptable adverse reactions and poor owner compliance.