Randomized, Controlled Trial of Budesonide and Prednisone for the Treatment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs

BackgroundBudesonide has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, but no controlled studies have been performed to evaluate efficacy of this treatment. ObjectiveTo compare budesonide and prednisone for induction therapy of IBD in dogs by using IBD activity index scores and evaluating frequency and severity of owner-reported adverse effects. AnimalsForty client-owned dogs with newly diagnosed idiopathic IBD were enrolled between April 2001 and January 2004; 34 dogs completed the 6week study. MethodsDouble-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Dogs were randomized to receive either pure powder-based budesonide (3-7kg: 1mg PO q24h, 7.1-15kg: 2mg PO q24h, 15.1-30kg: 3mg PO q24h, >30kg: 5mg PO q24h) for 6weeks or prednisone (1mg/kg PO q12hx3weeks then 0.5mg/kg PO q12hx3weeks). IBD activity index (IBDAI) scores were determined at diagnosis and after 6weeks of treatment. Pet owners completed weekly questionnaires regarding clinical signs and incidence and severity of adverse effects. ResultsSignificant differences in remission rates (>75% decrease in IBDAI scores) were not observed with a remission rate of 78% in the budesonide group and 69% in the prednisone group (P=.70). Frequency of adverse effects was similar between the 2 groups. Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThere was no demonstrable difference in remission rates or incidence of adverse effects between prednisone and budesonide for induction therapy of IBD in dogs.