Pilot evaluation of Enterococcus faecium SF68 as adjunctive therapy for oclacitinib‐responsive adult atopic dermatitis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adjunctive effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium SF68 (FortiFlora; Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets) on oclacitinib (Apoquel, Zoetis) dose reduction, while maintaining or reducing the Pruritus Visual Analog Score and Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index values in client‐owned adult dogs with environmental atopic dermatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled dogs had exhibited control of atopic dermatitis on oclacitinib for at least 6 months before, and continuing throughout, the study. Dogs with non‐seasonal pruritus were blindly randomised to receive either SF68 (1×10⁸ colony forming units/g orally twice daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. After 8 weeks of supplementation, oclacitinib dose was decreased by approximately 25%, aiming to maintain and reduce the clinical disease scores. RESULTS: Supplementation with SF68 was associated with no difference in oclacitinib dose reduction versus placebo in 21 client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis. Clinical disease scores were not different between groups at study completion. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Further larger‐scale studies are warranted to investigate optimal strain(s), dosing and duration of probiotic supplementation as an adjunctive strategy in management of canine atopic dermatitis.