Prospective evaluation of the efficacy of inhaled steroids administered via the AeroDawg spacing chamber in management of dogs with chronic cough

Abstract Background Glucocorticoids are frequently required for management of cough because of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and airway collapse (AWC). Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the efficacy and feasibility of inhaled administration of corticosteroids in controlling cough in dogs with noninfectious airway disease. Animals Thirty‐six client‐owned dogs. Methods Dogs were prospectively recruited for this placebo‐controlled cross‐over study. Inflammatory airway disease was diagnosed through bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. Airway collapse was diagnosed through bronchoscopy, or if dogs were unsuitable anesthetic candidates, by crackles on auscultation, radiographic changes in airway diameter, or fluoroscopy. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive placebo or fluticasone propionate for the first 2 weeks of the trial then crossed over to fluticasone. A quality of life (QOL) survey (best score 0, worst score 85) was completed at 0 and 6 weeks. A visual‐analog cough survey was submitted at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks to assess cough, feasibility, and adverse effects of treatment. Results For 32 dogs, QOL score at study end (mean 11.3 ± 9.7) was significantly lower (P < .0001) compared to entry (mean 28.1 ± 14.1), with a median change of 69% in QOL score, indicating improved quality of life. Cough frequency, duration, and severity were significantly (P < .0001) decreased at study end. Feasibility of aerosolized delivery improved with continued use (P = .05) with only 1 dog unable to accept inhaled medication. Conclusion and Clinical Importance This study supports the utility of fluticasone propionate by inhalation in management of cough in dogs with IAD and AWC.