Effects of Repeated Topical Application of a 0.0584% Hydrocortisone Aceponate Spray on Skin Thickness in Beagle Dogs

This study evaluated the long-term cutaneous tolerance of a 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate spray (Cortavance®; Virbac) in dogs. Four healthy Beagle bitches were sprayed once daily for 56 days at label dose (260μl/100 cm2) on one-third of the body surface, at a distance of 10 cm from clipped skin areas. The animals were examined daily for general clinical signs and reaction at application sites. Skin biopsies were taken from treated areas before treatment and then every 2 weeks. An histopathologist blinded to date of sampling evaluated skin histology and performed 5 skin thickness micrometer measurements on tissue sections. The general status and behaviour of the animals remained unchanged throughout the trial. No local reactions or histopathological change were detected. No significant changes in skin thickness (epidermis+dermis) were recorded during the trial (median measures [95% confidence interval] at D1: 1386 [1050-1470], D15: 966 [840-1050], D29: 1050 [924-1134], D43: 1134 [1008-1260] and D57: 1260 [1050-1344] μm). The repeated use of 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate spray over several weeks does not produce skin atrophy in dogs.