title: Evaluation of azithromycin in systemic and toothpaste forms for the treatment of ciclosporin-associated gingival overgrowth in dogs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gingival overgrowth is an adverse effect of ciclosporin therapy. Azithromycin (AZI) in capsule and toothpaste form is an effective treatment for ciclosporin-associated gingival overgrowth (CsAGO) in humans.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate AZI in a systemic and a toothpaste form for the treatment of CsAGO in dogs. The secondary objective was to determine which treatment is more effective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six client-owned dogs with CsAGO.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dogs were randomly assigned to the following four groups: AZI capsule; AZI toothpaste; placebo capsule; and placebo toothpaste. Treatments were for 4 weeks, and measurements of gingival sulcus depth, tooth length and subjective global scores were taken at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. The AZI dose was 10 mg/kg daily, and brushing (8.5% AZI) was once daily.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant decrease in gingival sulcus depth for the AZI capsule group at week 8 and for the AZI toothpaste group at weeks 2, 4 and 8. The mean decrease in gingival sulcus depth was significantly greater in active versus placebo groups (P = 0.0356). The tooth length and subjective global scores were not significantly different for any groups. Gastrointestinal adverse events occurred in all groups, but more frequently in the AZI capsule group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Azithromycin improved CsAGO in only one measured parameter, gingival sulcus depth. Only one dog in the AZI capsule group had complete resolution of CsAGO. Further studies are warranted. Azithromycin capsules were associated with the most gastrointestinal adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Animal Dermatology Clinic, 2965 Edinger Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA. arosenberg@adcmg.com
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Rosenkrantz
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Angus
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keys
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005260:Female; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004304:Dosage Forms; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D017963:Azithromycin; D016572:Cyclosporine