Will Around the time it was launched in the UK and we had a rep come to the practice to talk about it, explaining the novel nature of the drug.
Bruce I genuinely can't remember. It has become such a significant part of my day that it feels like I have used it forever.
What made you want to try the product?
Will The safety profile combined with good efficacy in trials was very appealing. The monthly injection also meant that poor owner compliance would be less of an issue in complicated atopy cases.
Bruce I tried it as the side effect profile appeared low from the data and surely anything would be better than steroids.
How did you discuss this new therapy with your client? How did you overcome any potential barriers?
Will We had been using a lot of Apoquel for a couple of years before Cytopoint arrived, and client feedback had been very good, so we felt comfortable recommending Cytopoint and we used the safety profile and the simple nature of the delivery to convince clients it was a good option. The price was the main sticking point but we felt that the improvement in long term control for these cases would equate to a reduction in vet visits and additional therapies so leading to an overall reduction in cost to the client.
Bruce I haven't experienced any barriers to the use of this. On several days a week I will give 2 or 3 injections and in almost all cases the owners have been very pleased with it. There are some cases in which it does not work and then we discontinue it.
What were the results after using Cytopoint for the first time?
Will We found after a few cases that the full effect isn't always seen until the 2nd or 3rd month, so not to expect an overnight resolution of signs, but the vast majority of dogs started on Cytopoint have continued long term use.
Bruce It took several dogs before I found one where there was not an almost instantaneous response. For most of the dogs, when they come in for the revisit appointment, the owners report a complete cessation of the itch.
What would you say to vets that are hesitant in trying Cytopoint?
Will We have had excellent results, and the clients like not having to medicate daily. Cytopoint definitely is a useful addition to our armoury of tools in the fight against atopic dermatitis.
Bruce I would imagine that depending on where people work there might be some clients who genuinely cannot afford it. But other than that I can see no reason not to try it. The results are outstanding and have been life changing for several of my patients.
What has been the highlight of your first year using Cytopoint?
Will Finally stabilising our worst ever atopic dog, which we hadn't been able to do with steroids or Apoquel. The difference it has made to that dog's quality of life has been fantastic to see and encouraged us to use Cytopoint in more cases.
Bruce Giving dogs a quality of life that they have not had for years! And not having to listen to clients complain about their itchy dog.
What difference has it made to your clients/practice/vets?
Will The clients love not having to give daily medication at home. The simple preparation and delivery mean that it is very easy for our practice staff to use, and relieves quite a lot of stress from difficult skin cases.
Bruce It has certainly improved quality of life for the pets!
Would you recommend Cytopoint to fellow vets for atopic dermatitis cases? Why?
Will Definitely. It has worked for cases from both ends of the spectrum in terms of severity, and results in very visible improvements in skin condition. The feedback from clients is very positive and many of these dogs have successfully transitioned from other medications onto Cytopoint. It is simple to use, effective and a popular choice in our clinics.
Bruce Why not?
Dr Will McMullan
South Moor Vets, Ivybridge, Devon
Dr Bruce McLeary
Meopham Vets, Wrotham Road, Meopham
CYTOPOINT is the first and only monoclonal antibody in the veterinary industry. Licenced for the treatment of clinical manifestations of canine atopic dermatitis, this monthly in-practice injection has been very well received since its launch in 2017 and has provided veterinary surgeons, pets and owners with a novel option to effectively manage atopy.
But don’t just take our word for it! Two and a half years after its launch in the UK, let’s have a closer look into what Cytopoint has brought first opinion veterinary surgeons.
CYTOPOINT® A BIOLOGIC THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS