Effective treatment of acute febrile sterile neutrophilic dermatosis with oclacitinib following prednisolone dose tapering in a dog

Abstract

We describe a case of acute febrile sterile neutrophilic dermatosis in a golden retriever that initially responded to prednisolone but relapsed during dose tapering. Due to unacceptable glucocorticoid adverse effects, the owner declined a dosage increase. Oclacitinib was subsequently initiated as monotherapy, resulting in resolution of clinical signs. Following its discontinuation, the dog remained in remission at 6‐month follow‐up. Although spontaneous resolution has been reported, the recurrence during prednisolone tapering suggested that the disease remained active. Clinical resolution within 14 days of oclacitinib administration suggests a therapeutic effect; however, causality cannot be definitively established. This outcome is limited to a single case, and the potential influence of prior therapy or natural disease course cannot be excluded. In summary, oclacitinib may represent a potential treatment option for acute febrile sterile neutrophilic dermatosis in patients where glucocorticoids are contraindicated or poorly tolerated; however, further evaluation in larger cohorts is required to corroborate these findings.