Evaluation of the Interest in and Tolerance of a Topical Emollient in the Management of Canine Nasal Hyperkeratosis: An Open-Label, Prospective, Uncontrolled Pilot Study

(1) Background: Idiopathic or familial nasal hyperkeratosis (NHK) may be considered a cosmetic issue in its uncomplicated form. Nevertheless, the prevention of secondary lesions could be advised by proper management. (2) Methods: In this multicentre, prospective, open-label pilot study, dogs with familial or idiopathic NHK received a topical emollient balm twice daily for 60 days. Evaluation of the global dermatological score (GDS; 0-12) on D0, D30, and D60 by owners and investigators was the main outcome. The score's percentage decrease versus D0; the evolution of "dryness", "lichenification", "crusts", and "affected area" (0-3); the correlation between observers and the evaluation of clinical improvement; and animal discomfort rated using a VAS (0-10) during follow-up were analysed. (3) Results: Twenty dogs completed the study. The mean GDS decreased significantly from Day 0 to Day 30 and Day 60 (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), with percentage reductions of 44.9% and 54.5% (investigators) and 54.3% and 62.3% (owners) on Day 30 and Day 60, respectively. Correlations between investigators and owners were significant for dryness, crusts (at Day 60), and the affected area, but not for lichenification. Animal discomfort scores decreased by more than 50% from Day 0. Owners reported high satisfaction with the product (mean score 8.1/10) and no adverse events occurred. (4) Conclusions: This open-label pilot study suggests that the tested balm is well tolerated and may improve clinical signs of NHK in dogs. Given the lack of a control group, small sample size, and absence of blinding, these results should be considered preliminary. Further randomized controlled trials and formal validation of the scoring system are warranted.