Ditch the Itch
Cytopoint is an innovative therapy that targets itch at its source to help relieve the signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs for a whole month with a single injection.
Your vet will prescribe Cytopoint to help reduce scratching, chewing, licking and biting at the skin. When the itch is controlled, the damaged skin can heal, so that you and your dog have a chance to enjoy the fun things in life again.
When your dog has a skin problem there will be signs; often times, more than one. Some important clues to look for if you suspect your dog is abnormally itchy:
- Excessive licking, chewing, biting or scratching
- Excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting
- Foot chewing
- Hair loss
- Recurrent ear problems
- Changes in the skin, e.g. sores or darkened colour
- Redness of the skin
- Body odour
When treating itch and skin conditions, there are several groups of medications and other therapies that could be used to treat your dog. These therapies include:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Immune Modulators
- Parasiticides
- Corticosteroids
- Shampoos
- Supplements
- Food
Cytopoint is an injection that your veterinarian gives your dog once a month. Cytopoint works right where the itch begins, neutralising itch, and breaking the itch cycle. Cytopoint is different from traditional drugs that treat itch. It is a biological therapy—a type of non-pharmaceutical treatment.
Cytopoint is safer for long term use. It does not burden the liver or kidneys as it functions like naturally occurring antibodies in your dog’s system. The most common side effects were vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. These occurred in only a small percentage of dogs treated with Cytopoint and usually stopped on their own.
With Cytopoint, you have less to worry about than with steroids, as it can be used with many other common therapies such as: Apoquel, Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), vaccines, and allergy shots.
Cytopoint is a restricted veterinary medicine which means it is only available from your vet. Your veterinarian will need to see your dog and if suitable they will administer Cytopoint like a vaccine. Cytopoint contains no preservatives and your vet will use 1 vial for dogs <40kgs, and two vials for dogs >40kgs.
Before and afters
Check out some case studies on how these brave dogs ditched
their itch
with Cytopoint and for more
see our Itch Stories page.
Coco
Coco had a long history of chronic atopic dermatitis. Treatments with steroids, immunotherapy and a hypoallergenic diet had failed. Within a day or two of his first Cytopoint injection he was scratch free.
Coco’s owners were feeling helpless because so many treatments had failed to give Coco any relief. His scratching was so bad it would sometimes wake him at night. He lost all of his hair, his skin was black and he smelled awful and always looked sad.
Within a day or two of his first injection he was scratch free. Soon after his hair had had grown back and he was back to being his playful happy self.
Frequently asked questions
What signs do I look for in my dog?
You will probably notice your dog scratching, licking or chewing their skin more than usual. You may notice a different smell, hair loss, scurfy or reddened skin, darker pigmentation of the skin, shaking of the head, rubbing the face, or brown staining on the feet of a light -coloured dog. If your dog can’t settle at night and is keeping you awake because he/she is scratching, they are definitely suffering.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a life-long condition which is very common. It may have a genetic basis. Dogs with atopic dermatitis will be itchy and will lick, bite and scratch at their skin trying to relieve the itch. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but it can be managed.
What is Cytopoint?
Cytopoint is an innovative therapy that targets itch at its source to help relieve the signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs for a whole month. It is an injection which your veterinarian or veterinary nurse will administer under the skin of your dog. Cytopoint helps reduce the scratching, chewing, licking and biting of the skin. When the itch is controlled, the damaged skin can heal, so that you and your dog have a chance to enjoy the fun things in life again.
How long will one injection of Cytopoint last?
One Cytopoint injection helps control itch for 1 month. Every dog is different, so your vet will help guide you with what is best for your dog, the frequency of the injections, and whether you need to use any other treatments at the same time.
How often will I have to go to the vet?
Your veterinarian may schedule an appointment with you for a months’ time to re-check. If not, they may ask you to phone up when you feel your dog is becoming itchy again for a repeat injection.
How long will my dog need Cytopoint treatment for?
Some dogs have year-round disease and may need continuous treatment with Cytopoint, whereas other dogs may only need treatment when the itch flares up e.g. if they are allergic to certain pollens in the spring. You and your vet can decide together what is best for your dog.
Is Cytopoint safer?
In a clinical study, dogs who received Cytopoint injections had no more side effects then the dogs who received placebo injections (injections with no treatment at all). Cytopoint is safer to use in dogs of any age, and can be used with many other commonly used medications, and in dogs with other diseases.
Because Cytopoint is a biological therapy and not a drug, it is naturally broken down and recycled by the body. It is not eliminated from the body via the liver or kidneys like most pharmaceutical drug products. This is one of the reasons Cytopoint can be a safer choice for your dog.
References: 1. Gonzales A, Bowman J, Fici G, Zhang M, Mann D, Mitton-Fry M. Oclacitinib (APOQUEL) is a novel. Janus kinase inhibitor with activity against cytokines involved in allergy. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. In press. 2. Data on file. Study report A161R-AU-12-096. 2013. Zoetis Inc. 3. Cosgrove SB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. Efficacy and safety of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with canine allergic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2013:24(5):479-e114. 4. Data on file. Study report 1962C-60-11-A75. 2013. Zoetis Inc. 5. CosgroveSB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase inhibitor oclacitinib (APOQUEL) in client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol.2013;24:587-597. doi:10.1111/vde.12088. 6. Sousa CA. Glucocorticoids in veterinary dermatology. In: Bonagura JD,Twedt DC, eds. Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy. 14th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:400-404.
Zoetis New Zealand Limited. Tel: 0800 963 847; www.zoetis.co.nz. SIMPARICA, APOQUEL & CYTOPOINT are registered trademarks of Zoetis. ACVM No’s. A10963, A11348, A11443, A11444 and A11445: RVM; Available only under Veterinary Authorisation. ACVM No. A11219.
