The Effect of Probiotic vs Placebo on the Clinical Response and Cytokine Profile in Felines with Allergic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Controlled Study

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting cats suffering from itch associated with allergy.

Enrollment Status: Currently Enrolling

Inclusion criteria: Cats with allergic itch. Cats with symptoms compatible with itch, including: overgrooming, hair loss, and itch of the head and neck.

Exclusion criteria: Current or recent use of steroids, Cyclosporine, Apoquel or other drugs routinely used for allergic itch. Current skin infection requiring the use of antimicrobials. Cats with known food allergy are excluded.

Treatment: Participants will be randomized to receive either a probiotic or placebo for 12 weeks. A complete exam, including a blood draw, cheek swab and fecal sample, will be performed at the initial visit and at the last visit. Two virtual check-ins will occur during the study. The placebo or probiotic will be sprinkled onto food by owner, daily.

Cost: The study will pay for each visit, the probiotic/placebo to go home, and all lab fees. No cost will be incurred to the owner. Owner receives free 3-months worth of flea preventives of their choice for their cat after study completion.

Contacts: You can contact Dermatology resident Dr. Natalia Gil at Natalia.gil@ufl.edu for more information

Background: Allergic dermatitis commonly leads to itching, inflammation, and skin infections that can worsen each year. A large amount of research has been placed upon developing medications to help decrease the itch caused by allergic dermatitis.

We are interested in researching a supplement that could decrease symptoms and possibly decrease reliance on other drugs in cats with allergic dermatitis.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether cats with allergic dermatitis will have improved clinical and laboratory test outcomes over a 12-week period when a probiotic is administered, compared to cats that are treated only with the inactive ingredient of the probiotic (placebo).