THE EFFICACY OF ANTIHISTAMINE FEXOFENADINE VERSUS METHYLPREDNISOLONE IN THE TREATMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN DOGS

The objective of the study was to establish efficacy of antihistamine fexofenadine in atopic dogs. Thirty atopic dogs over the age of 6 months, of different breeds and sex were randomized into two groups with 15 dogs each. The group F received fexofenadine orally; the group M received methylprednisolone for the period of 6 weeks. CADESI and pruritus score were measured three times during the study (at the baseline, after 3 weeks and after 6 weeks of treatment). Statistically significant discrepancies in CADESI score in comparison with baseline were observed in both groups, namely for 3rd (P=0,007 for group M and P=0,019 for group F) and 6th treatment week (P<0,001 for group M and P<0,001 for group F). Between the groups statistically significant difference in CADESI score for the 6th week of treatment was observed in favour of group F (P=0,012). Statistically significant lowering of strengths of itching score at week 3 (P=0,002) and week 6 (P=0,004) were observed in group M compared to baseline. The difference in strength of itching score in group F was not statistically significant at week 3 of treatment (P=0,215) but was at week 6 of treatment (P=0,002). Between the groups the difference was statistically significant at baseline (P=0,048), although not at week 3 and 6 of treatment. The results of the study are showing comparable improvement of clinical signs for fexofenadine treatment versus methylprednisolone treatment, nevertheless fexofenadine needed longer period of time to reach efficacy endpoint.