S
amaxia's Spotlight: Our 1st Scientific Newsletter on the topic of Dermatology and Canine Atopic Dermatitis in collaboration with MP Labo
We begin with a summary of an article published last month on the benefits of essential fatty acids in atopic dogs undergoing treatment with oclacitinib.
We then continue with a summary of therapeutic education: lessons from human medicine and applications in veterinary medicine for canine atopic dermatitis.
And finally, we present Sensiderm Omega Drops®, our new oral presentation that nourishes the skin from within.
Quote of the month: "Nothing is softer, nothing makes the skin feel more delicate, more refined, more rare than the warm, vibrant coat of a cat. "
Anatole France wrote this phrase in 1892 in his book "La Vie en fleur", which often explores themes linked to aesthetic sensibility and love of nature. The phrase underlines the softness and comfort one feels when stroking a cat, evoking a sensation of unique delicacy and refinement combined with the animal's warmth and vivacity
Study evaluating the effect of oral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the dose of oclacitinib in atopic dogs.
Schäfer L, Thom N. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluating the effect of orally administered polyunsaturated fatty acids on the oclacitinib dose for atopic dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13246
Dr Pascal Prelaud
Summary proposed by Dr Pascal Prélaud, veterinary surgeon, Dip. ECVD practising at CHV Advetia (Vélizy-Villacoublay).
Two widely held beliefs commonly accepted in the long-term treatment of canine atopic dermatitis:
There is no point in supplementing with essential fatty acids a ration containing food that has already been enriched;
The short half-life of oclacitinib makes it unattractive to prescribe at intervals.
Aim of the study
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of adding polyunsaturated fatty acids to the background treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) with oclacitinib.
Materials and methods
This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted over 4 months on dogs belonging to owners.
These animals had non-seasonal CDAD treated with oclacitinib for at least 2 months, were correctly treated against fleas and had not responded to an avoidance diet.
For the duration of the study, diet and treatment were not modified, with the exception of oclacitinib, the dosage of which was increased or decreased every 2 weeks according to the intensity of pruritus (2 points out of 10 on a rating scale).
Clinical and cytological examinations and the collection of evaluation grids (quality of life (QoL), CADESI, PVAS) were carried out at D0, 2 months and 4 months (M2 and M4).
The product studied was a fish oil containing 180 mg/mL eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 117 mg/mL docosahexaenoic acid. The ratio of omega fatty acids was: omega-3/omega-6/omega-9 = 8.7:1.0:4.0 (PUFA group, polyunsaturated fatty acid). The placebo was paraffin oil. The animals received 3 mL/10 kg of one oil or the other.
Results
Twenty-five dogs were included in the study. Twenty-two dogs completed the trial, 11 in the placebo group and 11 in the PUFA group. The mean age was 4 ± 2 years.
These groups were fairly heterogeneous, with a wide variety of foods: 2 ate a homemade diet, 8 ate an industrial diet with a high intake of essential fatty acids (Anallergenic® or Z/D®).
Mean doses of oclacitinib varied significantly between the two groups (D0 and M4), from 0.70 to 0.5 mg/kg/d in the placebo group and 0.5 to 0.2 in the PUFA group.
PVAS, CADESI and QdV do not vary significantly, but customer satisfaction and coat quality are better in the PUFA group.
Conclusion
This double-blind, placebo-controlled field study demonstrated the beneficial effect of administering polyunsaturated fatty acids to animals receiving oclacitinib continuously, irrespective of the type of food.
This is further proof of the value of multimodal management in a chronic inflammatory disease such as CAD.
In addition to the beneficial effect of fatty acids, this study proposes a way of using oclacitinib over the long term by spacing out doses and reducing them, with ongoing adaptation to clinical response.
Further studies are needed to confirm these results, particularly in more severely affected animals or those receiving more appropriate long-term treatments, such as an anti-IL31 monoclonal antibody (already done and positive for cyclosporine).
Therapeutic Education: a lever for improving the daily lives of atopic animals and their owners
Chronic diseases represent a significant challenge in veterinary medicine, and long-term treatments can often be restrictive for pet owners. Inspired by the approach taken in human medicine, therapeutic education aims to help pet owners acquire the skills they need to manage their pet's health as effectively as possible in the event of chronic illness.
1. The essentials of therapeutic education
1.1 Lessons from human medicine
According to the WHO, therapeutic patient education "aims to help patients acquire or maintain the skills they need to best manage their lives with a chronic disease".
In November 2023, WHO/Europe published a new practical guide to therapeutic patient education for healthcare professionals. Given that, on average, patients spend just 2 hours a year attending medical consultations, and to avoid their only source of information being online discussion forums the rest of the time, it is essential for healthcare professionals to help their patients manage their illness independently in order to improve results and reduce their anxiety levels.
Studies also show that this approach can reduce the long-term complications of chronic diseases, making it economically viable (Penaloza-Ramos et al., 2016, Wan & Nurul, 2022).
1.2 The importance of communication
The choice of words and the tone used can influence patients' perceptions and adherence to treatment. It is therefore crucial to avoid stigmatising or discouraging language, and to favour a respectful and collaborative dialogue. In this sense, non-verbal communication and active listening skills are also essential (Holman & Lorig, 2000, Makoul et al., 2007). A particular choice of words or phrase may imply that the patient is passive or implicitly blame the patient (Cox & Frits, 2022).
Language that appears to blame or belittle patients can stigmatise people living with chronic conditions. This can lead to a loss of self-efficacy and reduced trust in healthcare professionals (Baron, 2011).
2. Application to canine atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a relevant example of the practical application of veterinary therapeutic education. Because of its complexity, this disease requires clear communication and appropriate teaching aids.
2.1. Providing educational support for owners
The large amount of information provided during a veterinary consultation can hamper the owner's ability to assimilate it all, as confirmed by studies showing that owners generally retain less than 5% of the information provided. To overcome this limitation, it is recommended that summary information be provided, such as explanatory sheets or videos, to optimise understanding and compliance with care (Guillot, 2022). These materials often cover only one aspect of the disease or its treatment at a time.
2.2 Crucial role of Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses play a crucial role in therapeutic patient education. By providing practical advice and demonstrating essential techniques, Veterinary Nurses can reinforce owners' understanding and encourage them to adhere to treatment, while taking into account owners' common concerns, such as the cost of treatment or the animal's discomfort. In addition, their presence can answer owners' questions and reassure them about the management of their pet's disease (Bensignor, 2019).
3. Conclusion:
In conclusion, therapeutic patient education is a valuable tool for vets in the management of chronic diseases in companion animals. Through effective communication and appropriate teaching aids, vets can empower owners and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for their pets.
Launching SENSIDERM OMEGA® DROPS
We've added Sensiderm Omega® Drops tube to our range of skin care products, providing essential nutrients to protect the skin, strengthen the skin barrier and contribute to a beautiful coat
Sensiderm Omega Drops
Available in 60ml, Sensiderm Omega Drops® :
Provides essential nutrients to protect the skin, strengthen the skin barrier and contribute to a beautiful coat
The fatty acids EPA and DHA (omega 3) and GLA (omega 6) modulate skin reactions.
A complex of vitamins and zinc helps strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the synthesis of skin lipids.
Sensiderm® Omega participates in skin renewal.
As part of this launch, Samaxia Ltd is offering therapeutic education tools to help owners better understand their pet's skin and follow the recommendations of the care team with a 3D skin model that can be used during the consultation by the vet practice team to :
*Provide a deeper understanding of skin health
*Encouraging better compliance with suggested treatments
*Extend the advice given during the consultation
*Reassuring the owner
Sensiderm Omega Drops are NOW available in only through UK Veterinary Wholesalers and UK Veterinary Practices.
We are happy to provide you with any information you may require on the product and associated tools.
SO contact us today:
Whatsapp: +44 7368 259104
Email: enquiries@samaxia.com
Tel: +44 1522 454670