Use of modified ciclosporin in the management of feline pemphigus foliaceus: a retrospective analysis.
BACKGROUND
Glucocorticoids as sole therapy for pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in cats are not always successful, and it is common to need additional immunomodulating agents to manage the disease.


OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study evaluated the use of modified ciclosporin as an adjuvant or sole immunomodulating drug in cats with PF and compared their response to PF cats managed with chlorambucil.


METHODS
Fifteen client-owned cats diagnosed with PF that received ciclosporin and/or chlorambucil as part of their treatment and had adequate follow-up to assess treatment response were evaluated.


METHODS
Records were reviewed from feline PF patients presented between the years of 1999 and 2009. Cats were divided into two treatment groups: those treated with ciclosporin and those treated with chlorambucil. Most cats in both groups also received concurrent systemic glucocorticoids. Each group contained six patients. Three cats were treated with both medications and are discussed separately. Time to disease remission, remission-inducing glucocorticoid dose, maintenance or final glucocorticoid dose, disease response and adverse effects were assessed.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in remission times or disease response between groups. All six patients maintained with ciclosporin for PF management were weaned off systemic glucocorticoids, while glucocorticoid therapy was stopped in only one of the six cats receiving chlorambucil.


CONCLUSIONS
Modified ciclosporin is effective in the management of feline pemphigus foliaceus and is glucocorticoid sparing.
Gulf Coast Veterinary Dermatology and Allergy, 1111 West Loop South, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77027, USA. kirwin79@yahoo.com
Katherine E
KE
Irwin
Karin M
KM
Beale
Valerie A
VA
Fadok
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002415:Cats; D002699:Chlorambucil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D002699:Chlorambucil; D016572:Cyclosporine