(IM04) Comparison of Prednisolone Alone and Prednisolone Combined with Adjunctive Immunosuppressants for Dogs with Immune-mediated Polyarthritis

Abstract:

Background: Prednisolone (PDS) is commonly used for primary immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA). The comparison of PDS monotherapy and PDS combined with adjunctive immunosuppressant for dogs with IMPA is scarce.

Hypothesis/

Objectives: PDS combined with adjunctive immunosuppression is not superior to PDS alone in terms of efficacy and safety in dogs with IMPA.

Animals: Thirteen client-owned dogs with primary IMPA. 6 dogs (group A) were treated with PDS alone, and 7 dogs (group B) were treated with PDS combined with the additional immunosuppressant.

Methods: Retrospective study. The data collected from the medical records included information regarding signalment, treatment response, and adverse effects.

Results: Complete response (CR) was achieved in both groups. The median time to CR was 19 days (range, 3 to 40) in group A and 17 days (range, 6 to 28) in group B. The median time of initial PDS tapering was 27.5 days (range, 18 to 41) in group A and 35 days (range, 11 to 84) in group B. The relapse was observed in 1 dog in group A and 3 dogs in group B. Adverse effects (AEs) were observed in 2 dogs (PDS-related AEs) in group A and 3 dogs (sporadic infection, n=2; PDS-related AEs, n=3) in group B.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The efficacy of PDS monotherapy is comparable to PDS combined with adjunctive immunosuppression in dogs with IMPA. Sporadic infections more frequently occurred in the dogs treated with the additional immunosuppressant. The overall findings help us extend our understanding of the treatment for IMPA.