A new multicentric international study has revealed promising results for veterinary professionals treating canine interdigital furunculosis (CIF), a condition that has traditionally required extended antibiotic therapy. The research, published in Veterinary Dermatology, demonstrates that fluorescent light energy (FLE) significantly improves healing times and reduces antibiotic usage in affected dogs.
The study included 35 dogs with CIF affecting at least two paws. In a single-blinded trial design, each dog received systemic antibiotics for all affected paws, but only one paw was additionally treated with FLE, with treatment allocation determined by coin toss. Researchers followed the cases over eight weeks with evaluations every 14 days.
The results were compelling: by week four, 50% of paws in the FLE treatment group had reached clinical resolution compared to only 17% in the control group. Even more impressive, by the end of the eight-week study period, 88% of FLE-treated paws had healed completely versus 54% in the antibiotic-only group.
“Canine interdigital furunculosis is a challenging condition to treat that can be prolonged and frustrating,” said Dr. Anja Lange, DVM from the Department of Dermatology at AniCura Kleintierspezialisten Augsburg GmbH in Germany. “Having FLE as an additional management tool is very exciting, not least because it speeds up time to healing, but it also requires us to use less antibiotics.”
This research highlights a potential breakthrough for veterinarians seeking alternatives to long-term antibiotic therapy, which is particularly relevant in today’s focus on antimicrobial stewardship. The technology, distributed as the PHOVIA Light System by Vetoquinol, offers a promising adjunctive therapy for a condition that frequently frustrates both veterinarians and pet owners.
Dr. Lange also noted that the treatment was well-tolerated by both dogs and their owners, making it a practical option for clinical practice. This could be welcome news for veterinarians who regularly deal with stubborn skin conditions in dogs that require innovative treatment approaches.
The study utilized multiple assessment methods, including global lesion scoring, pruritic visual analogue scale, cytological scoring, and photographic documentation, providing comprehensive evidence of the treatment’s efficacy.
What This Means for Veterinary Practice
For veterinary professionals, this study offers a promising additional modality for treating a notoriously difficult condition. The potential reduction in antibiotic usage aligns with global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance while potentially improving patient outcomes and client satisfaction through faster healing times.
Reference:
A blinded randomised split-body clinical trial evaluating the effect of fluorescent light energy on antimicrobial management of canine interdigital furunculosis – A. Lange, U. Mayer, E. Bensignor, L. Cornegliani, D. Ferreira, I. Matricoti, M. Mosca, L. Ordeix, D. Pin, F. Scarampella, E. Videmont, A. Yu, O. Fantini – https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13340