H I L L ’ S S Y M P O S I U M O N D E R M A T O L O G Y
Canine Dermatitis
Study Synopsis
A Multicenter Clinical Study
of Therapeutic Foods in Dogs
with Chronic, Nonseasonal,
Pruritic Dermatitis due to Atopy
and/or Adverse Reaction to Food
Philip Roudebush,
DVM, DACVIM
Timothy A. Allen,
DVM, DACVIM
Dale Fritsch,
BS, MS
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Topeka, Kansas
The purpose of this prospective, multicenter clinical study was to determine if novel-
protein therapeutic foods with enhanced levels of fatty acids and antioxidants aid in
the management of chronic pruritic dermatitis in dogs with suspected atopic der-
matitis and/or adverse reaction to food. The test foods were appropriate for adult dogs
and were available in dry and wet forms. Potato and salmon were the major ingredi-
ents in one food. Potato and venison were the major ingredients in the other food.
STUDY DETAILS
The diagnosis of chronic, nonseasonal, pruritic dermatitis due to atopy and/or adverse
reaction to food was based on history, typical clinical signs, and absence of other pru-
ritic skin conditions. For dogs to be included in the study, at least three of the fol-
lowing major features must have been present: pruritus, facial and/or digital involve-
ment, lichenification of the flexor surface of the tarsus or extensor surface of the
carpus, chronic or chronically relapsing dermatitis, familial history of atopy, breed
predilection, or positive diagnosis of adverse reaction to food based on elimination
food trials. The following minor features were often present: onset before 3 years of
age, facial erythema or perioral inflammation, bacterial conjunctivitis, superficial
staphylococcal pyoderma or positive allergy test (intradermal tests and/or allergen-spe-
cific IgE serology). A positive allergy test or positive elimination food trial were not
required for inclusion in the study.
As appropriate, other pruritic skin conditions were ruled out using standard diag-
nostic or therapeutic methods. Dogs with a positive dietary elimination trial fo