Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. It poses a significant burden on the quality of life of both human and veterinary patients. Symptoms include patches of skin that are red or brownish, dry, cracked, swollen, raw, or scaly. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most itchy of the skin dermatoses. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, and it is hard to control.
Canine atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease seen in veterinary clinical practice. Clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis include redness and itch, predominantly in the muzzle, neck, chest, ears, around the eyes and in body folds. Itching, with resultant scratching can lead to secondary infections. As time progresses, canine atopic dermatitis may change from seasonal to year-round and progressively increase in severity.
Given the severely pro-inflammatory nature of atopic dermatitis, the research team of Linda Watkins (CU distinguished professor) and Dr. Robert Landry, (DVM, Colorado Center for Animal Pain Management; adjunct professor, CU Boulder) are initiating a pilot study of a potent anti-inflammatory protein that dogs and people naturally make. This is a non-viral gene therapy that drives the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) that evolved to specifically suppress inflammation. This pilot study will test IL-10 gene therapy delivered directly into the dog’s skin in the affected region to define whether, as expected, this novel treatment will relieve the inflammation and itch suffered by dogs.
This therapeutic approach has already proven itself to be successful in relieving pain and disability in pet dogs with osteoarthritis after local delivery to the arthritic joints.
Dogs always remain with their owners throughout and after the study. Dogs and owners do have to come to the Colorado Center for Animal Pain Management in Westminster periodically for assessment of response to treatment.
Call 720-502-5823 to determine the eligibility requirements to participate in the study.
