Clinical evaluation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in combination with palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs: Pilot study

Atopic dermatitis is the most common allergic disease in dogs. The main sign of the disease is severe pruritus, whereas potential therapies include treatment of the causes and symptomatic treatment. The latter involves the use of glucocorticosteroids, oclacitinib, and lokivetmab, but less severe signs can be treated with polyunsaturated fatty acids, antihistamines, cannabidol, or palmitoylethanolamide. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of palmitoylethanolamide combined with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the symptomatic treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. The study was performed on 10 dogs. The study arm received palmitoylethanolamide in combination with polyunsaturated fatty acids. In all animals, the intensity of pruritus (pVAS) and the severity of skin lesions (CADESI 04) were assessed six times at weekly intervals. In the study arm, there was a statistically significant reduction in pruritus after 4 weeks of treatment, and a reduction in skin lesions was achieved after 3 weeks of treatment. Palmitoylethanolamide combined with polyunsaturated fatty acids effectively reduces the intensity of skin lesions and pruritus.