Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1analogue

In humans and dogs, atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with immediate and late-phase hypersensitivity reactions directed against environmental allergens. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, has recently proved useful in selectively inhibiting the allergen-induced late-phase reaction (LPR) in atopic humans. Our objectives were to determine whether misoprostol monotherapy might be effective in decreasing pruritus and clinical signs in dogs with uncomplicated AD. Of 20 dogs entered, 18, receiving misoprostol (6 μg/kg three times daily) as sole treatment for 30 days, completed the study. Posttreatment lesional and pruritus scores were significantly lower than pretreatment values (P < 0.0001). A reduction of more than 50% in the lesional and pruritus scores was observed in 61% and 56% of the dogs, respectively. Adverse effects consisted of mild intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. The present study suggests that LPR inhibitors may be effective in canine AD. These results need to be confirmed in future blinded, placebocontrolled clinical trials.