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.