Evaluation of a non-invasive methodology to measure cutaneous IL-33 in canine atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory dermatoses

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory dermatoses for a clinical research trial.

Enrollment Status: Currently Enrolling

Inclusion Criteria: The study is recruiting patients that fall into one of three groups and meet the following criteria:

Atopic Dermatitis Dogs

• Diagnosis of non-seasonal AD
• Lesions free of infection

Nonatopic- Pruritic-Inflammatory (NAPI) Dogs

• Diagnosis of NAPI includes skin diseases (ex: scabies, yeast infection, pyoderma) that causes
  itching and is not related directly to atopic dermatitis
• Lesions with or without infection

Healthy Dogs

• No prior history of AD or NAPI
• Skin free of infection

Treatment: Extent and severity of disease in atopic dogs will be assessed using a skin lesion assessment. The lesional areas sampled need to be free of infection. This will be determined based on cytology. The non lesional area that will be sampled will be on the inguinal area (belly).

Dogs with nonatopic-pruritic inflammatory skin diseases will be evaluated and enrolled. The lesional skin will be sampled. Additionally, healthy dogs with no prior history or evidence of skin disease will be enrolled. They will have their belly area sampled.

If criteria are met, dogs will have their skin/lesion sampled using a tape strip method. Any hair obstructing the sample will be gently clipped. The area of the skin will be marked with a pen. There will be 15 seconds of pressure on the tape. The procedure will be repeated up to 20 consecutive times for each skin area.

Costs: The study will cover the sample collection fee associated with the study. Each participant will receive a complimentary bottle of shampoo/mousse. No other costs will be covered. 

Contact: You can contact our Small Animal Hospital at (352) 392-2235 to schedule an appointment with the Clinical Trial Team or complete the Study Interest Form to see if your pet qualifies.

PI: Dr. Rosanna Marsella

Background:

Allergic dermatitis, or skin itch, in dogs can be caused by fleas, food, or environmental allergies. Atopic dermatitis (AD) causes itching, inflammation, and possible infections that can get worse each year. It is a challenging disease to treat with no diagnostic test.

IL-33 is a protein that is elevated in allergic diseases like AD or possibly other itchy inflammatory skin diseases. This study will measure IL-33 in normal dogs, dogs with AD, and dogs with other skin diseases by using a tape strip method.

The purpose of this study is to determine which of the three groups of dogs have the highest IL-33 concentrations. The second purpose of this study is to compare IL-33 concentration in dogs with and without lesions.