title: Evaluation of the effect of two dose rates of cyclosporine on the severity of perianal fistulae lesions and associated clinical signs in dogs.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. ahouse@rvc.ac.uk
authors.forename: Arthur K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: House
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guitian
authors.forename: Susan P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hardie
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine