Effect of localized cryotherapy on interdigital pruritus of dogs with canine atopic dermatitis

Interdigital dermatitis represents a significant clinical manifestation in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Given the refractory nature of these lesions to conventional therapies, there is an increasing demand for novel treatment modalities for atopic interdigital dermatitis.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel focal cryotherapy device in improving lesions and clinical symptoms in dogs with atopic interdigital dermatitis.

Twenty dogs diagnosed with atopic interdigital dermatitis were enrolled in this study. Cryotherapy was applied at -5°C for 10 sec to the interdigital spaces. The treatment protocol consisted of three sessions, with 9 dogs receiving weekly treatments and 11 dogs receiving treatments twice weekly. At each visit, a modified Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (m-CADESI) and a modified Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (m-PVAS) were employed. Moreover, owner satisfaction and potential adverse effects were evaluated.

Both treatment groups showed improvement in erythema and m-CADESI scores post-treatment. However, a statistically significant reduction in m-PVAS was only observed in treatment group 2. Remarkably, patients with baseline m-CADESI scores ≤ 12 showed significantly greater improvement in m-PVAS compared to those with scores > 12. No significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients, and owner satisfaction was reported as good to excellent.

Focal cryotherapy for atopic interdigital dermatitis, when properly indicated, may be considered a novel, safe, and effective treatment option for reducing lesions and pruritus in affected dogs.