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Effects of otic betamethasone on intradermal testing in normal dogs
Author(s) -
Ginel Pedro J.,
Garrido Cristina,
Lucena Rosario
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2007.00591.x
Subject(s) - betamethasone , medicine , histamine , adrenocorticotropic hormone , placebo , endocrinology , corticosteroid , otitis , acth stimulation test , hormone , surgery , pathology , alternative medicine
Otitis externa is common in atopic dogs and is frequently treated using potent glucocorticoids topically. These preparations can cause adrenal suppression and affect skin test reactivity. The purpose of this study was to determine if an otic product containing betamethasone could decrease skin reactivity in normal dogs. Sixteen laboratory beagles were used in a cross‐over, blinded trial. Dogs were enrolled in two groups; one received placebo and the other a betamethasone‐containing otic preparation (Otomax®) twice daily for 2 weeks. After a 4‐week wash‐out period, treatments were switched. Dogs were intradermally tested on days 0 and 14 of each treatment period with histamine phosphate (1 : 100 000 and 1 : 200 000 w/v) and allergens common in the area. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were done before and after treatment to investigate adrenal suppression. After 2 weeks of otic betamethasone, Dermatophagoides farinae ( P = 0.0034), Cynodon dactylon ( P = 0.0459) and histamine 1 : 100 000 w/v ( P = 0.0028) reactions were significantly reduced. Pre‐treatment post‐ACTH serum cortisol levels and those obtained after both treatments did not differ statistically ( P = 0.6362). Betamethasone induced a slight but statistically significant elevation ( P = 0.0002) of serum alkaline phosphatase. Despite the increase, values were within normal range. It is concluded that, although otic betamethasone did not suppress adrenal glands, it mildly suppressed intradermal reactions to 1 : 100 000 w/v histamine, D. farinae and C. dactylon .