Evaluation of the effect of two dose rates of cyclosporine on the severity of perianal fistulae lesions and associated clinical signs in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of cyclosporine (2 or 5 mg/kg every 24 hours) on perianal fistulae (PAF) lesions.


METHODS
Blinded randomized, prospective trial.


METHODS
Dogs (n = 20) with perianal fistulae.


METHODS
Dogs were randomly assigned to administration of either 2 mg/kg (n = 10) or 5 mg/kg (n=10) of cyclosporine orally every 24 hours for 8 weeks. Lesion surface area was measured, lesion severity was graded using a visual analog scale, and the presence and severity of clinical signs recorded every 2 weeks.


RESULTS
Lesion variables were significantly reduced in both groups after 8 weeks and owners also reported a reduction in clinical sign severity. The 5 mg/kg dose rate significantly accelerated lesion resolution compared with 2 mg/kg. In the 2 mg/kg group, 20% of dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs and 10% had resolution of lesions. In the 5 mg/kg group, 40% of dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs and 60% had resolution of lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
A dose rate of 5 mg/kg every 24 hours was more effective at reducing the surface area and severity of PAF lesions than 2 mg/kg every 24 hours but less effective at resolving PAF lesions than previous studies using dose rates > or =5 mg/kg every 12 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyclosporine at 5 mg/kg every 24 hours may be useful for the palliation of PAF lesions.
House
Arthur K
AK
The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. ahouse@rvc.ac.uk
Guitian
Javier
J
Gregory
Susan P
SP
Hardie
Robert J
RJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010481:Perianal Glands / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine