Comparison of the efficacy of cyclosporine and leflunomide in treating inflammatory colorectal polyps in miniature dachshunds

Abstract

Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) are frequently observed in miniature dachshunds in Japan and treated by prednisolone and immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and leflunomide. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the treatment efficacy, such as response rate, response interval, recurrence rate, and adverse events between cyclosporine and leflunomide. While the response rates were significantly higher in dogs treated with leflunomide, no significant differences were observed in the response interval or recurrence rate. Two of the 11 dogs treated with leflunomide showed hematological or gastrointestinal adverse events, while no dog treated with cyclosporine showed any adverse events. A case-controlled prospective study to compare the treatment efficacy of leflunomide with that of cyclosporine should be conducted.