- 著者
 
          - 
             
             Kenjiro FUKUSHIMA
             
             Nozomi EGUCHI
             
             Koichi OHNO
             
             Hideyuki KANEMOTO
             
             Masashi TAKAHASHI
             
             Hirotaka IGARASHI
             
             Aki OHMI
             
             Ko NAKASHIMA
             
             Hajime TSUJIMOTO
             
          
 
          
          
          - 出版者
 
          - 公益社団法人 日本獣医学会
 
          
          
          - 雑誌
 
          - Journal of Veterinary Medical Science (ISSN:09167250)
 
          
          
          - 巻号頁・発行日
 
          - pp.15-0129,  (Released:2015-10-10)
 
          
          
          
          - 被引用文献数
 
          - 
             
             
             15
             
             
          
        
 
        
        
        Inflammatory colorectal polyp (ICRP), common in miniature dachshunds, presents with hematochezia, tenesmus and mucoid feces. Although an 80% response rate has been reported when treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine, effective treatment is needed for the remaining 20% of ICRP dogs. Leflunomide is an immunosuppressive drug reported as effective in several immune-mediated diseases. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and adverse effects of leflunomide in 15 ICRP dogs that were refractory to treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Treatment efficacy was assessed by endoscopy, clinical symptoms and rectal palpation. Adverse effects were determined by clinical symptoms and blood testing during follow-up. The leflunomide treatment response rate was 93.3%. The median dosage of leflunomide and the median response time were 3 mg/kg (range: 1.7–4.0 mg/kg) and 35 days (range: 20–119 days), respectively. Adverse effects observed included lethargy (3 dogs), anorexia (1 dog), respiratory symptoms (1 dog), leukocytopenia (2 dogs), thrombocytopenia (1 dog), anemia (1 dog), and liver enzyme elevation (8 dogs). Most of the adverse effects improved with symptomatic treatment and leflunomide discontinuation or dosage reduction. In conclusion, leflunomide treatment is effective in ICRP dogs refractory to treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Because several adverse effects were observed, close monitoring is needed during leflunomide treatment follow-up.