Effects of a Dietary Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum in Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis

ABSTRACT Background Bovine colostrum (BC) shows immunomodulatory properties, which could be beneficial in the management of chronic immune‐mediated diseases such as canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Objective To assess if a BC supplementation affects selected immune variables and clinical signs in cAD. Animals Twenty client‐owned dogs with non‐seasonal, environmentally induced cAD were enrolled in this prospective, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study. Material and Methods After a 2‐week adaptation to standardised feeding, the dogs were divided into two groups, receiving either a placebo or BC at 0.2% in dietary dry matter for 4 weeks. Afterwards, the dogs remained on their diets for another 4 weeks, without placebo and BC supplementation. Blood and faecal samples were collected on Day (D)14, D42 and D70 for immunological measurements (proliferative and phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes, faecal immunoglobulin [Ig]A, plasma concentrations of Igs, C‐reactive protein [CRP] and serum amyloid A [SAA]). Additionally, the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04) was assessed. The owners evaluated pruritus (Visual Analog Scale) of their dogs retrospectively and daily (r−/d‐pVAS), as well as quality‐of‐life (QoL), global assessment and quality‐of‐coat. Results No significant diet effects were detected for the clinical and immunological parameters evaluated. A slight improvement in QoL could be observed in both feeding groups over time. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance An oral administration of BC did not alter relevant clinical and immune parameters in patients with cAD.