NEBULIZED METHYLENE BLUE AS AN ANTI-PRURITIC TREATMENT MODALITY IN DOGS WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a chronic inflammatory dermotological disorder in dogs, primarily characterized by pruritus. Conventional treatment modalities involve topical and systemic agents among allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT); however, their effectiveness varies, and potential adverse effects necessitate alternative therapeutic approaches. Methylene blue (MB) is a cationic photosensitizer with antimicrobial and neuromodulatory effects, previously shown to alleviate pruritus in human medicine by blocking peripheral nerve endings. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic capability of nebulized MB in reducing pruritus severity in dogs with AD. For this propose a total of 13 dogs diagnosed with AD without any treatment for at least three weeks were enrolled to the study. All cases were assessed using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-04) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). MB was administered via nebulization in a single session, and pruritus scores were recorded on days 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The results demonstrated a marked reduction in pruritus scores following MB administration, with the most significant improvements observed on days 4, 6, and 8. no adverse effects were noted throughout the study. Given its neuro-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, MB appears to be a promising alternative approach for the management of pruritus associated with AD in dogs. In conclusion nebulized MB is a safe and effective treatment modality for pruritus management in cAD. These findings warrant further controlled studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and long-term therapeutic potential of MB in veterinary dermatology.