Investigation of the Clinical Efficacy of Quercetin in Feline Atopic Dermatitis Syndrome

Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome (FASS) is a common dermatological condition in cats, linked to oxidative stress and variable skin lesions. While glucocorticoids and antihistamines are standard treatments, the inconsistent feasibility of allergen avoidance and immunotherapies necessitates the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents like prednisolone or cyclosporine. However, their side effects can limit long-term use, driving research into alternative therapies to mitigate these drawbacks.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of quercetin on oxidative stress parameters and clinical findings in cats with FASS. Thirty-six cats were included in the study and divided into two groups: cats diagnosed with FASS (n = 27) and healthy cats (n = 9). Additionally, cats diagnosed with FASS were grouped according to their clinical presentations, which included Head-and-Neck Pruritus (HNP), Self-Induced Alopecia (SIA), Miliary Dermatitis (MD), Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC), and Dermatitis. Quercetin treatment (3 mg.kg-1) was administered orally for 14 days in both groups. Clinical findings were assessed on days 0, 7, and 14 using SCORFAD, FEDESI, and VAS scoring systems, alongside blood analyses for thiol-disulfide balance. Significant reductions in clinical scores (FEDESI, SCORFAD, VAS) were observed in the HNP and MD groups, while improvement was limited to one cat in the SIA group. Although no significant differences in thiol-disulfide balance were detected between groups, slight reductions in total thiol and disulfide levels were noted. These results indicate that quercetin may alleviate oxidative stress and improve clinical outcomes in FASS treatment.