This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Evaluation of the Interest in and Tolerance of a Topical Emollient in the Management of Canine Nasal Hyperkeratosis: An Open-Label, Prospective, Uncontrolled Pilot Study †
by
, , , ,
Sébastien Viaud
1
,
Sarah Pariente
1,
Bruno Jahier
2,*,
Christelle Navarro
2,
Cécile Destaing
2 and
Carole Gard
2 1
CHV AniCura Aquivet, 4 Rue Léon Morane, 33700 Mérignac, France
2
MP Labo, 45 Boulevard Marcel Pagnol, 06130 Grasse, France
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
This study was partially presented at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress, 2023 Lisbon, Portugal.
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090792
Submission received: 3 July 2025
/
Revised: 30 July 2025
/
Accepted: 18 August 2025
/
Published: 22 August 2025
Simple Summary
Nasal hyperkeratosis (NHK) is a common dermatological condition in dogs, particularly in brachycephalic breeds, that can lead to cosmetic concerns, discomfort, and secondary infections. Available management options are limited and poorly documented. This open-label, prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new topical emollient balm (Sensiderm® Balm, MP Labo, France) in 20 dogs with familial or idiopathic NHK. A novel scoring system was used to assess lesion severity. After 60 days of twice-daily application, both investigators and owners observed marked improvements in nasal lesions and discomfort without adverse effects. Owners reported high satisfaction with the ease of use and effectiveness of the product. These preliminary findings support the balm’s potential as part of NHK management and justify further controlled studies.
Abstract
(1) Background: Idiopathic or familial nasal hyperkeratosis (NHK) may be considered a cosmetic issue in its uncomplicated form. Nevertheless, the prevention of secondary lesions could be advised by proper management. (2) Methods: In this multicentre, prospective, open-label pilot study, dogs with familial or idiopathic NHK received a topical emollient balm twice daily for 60 days. Evaluation of the global dermatological score (GDS; 0–12) on D0, D30, and D60 by owners and investigators was the main outcome. The score’s percentage decrease versus D0; the evolution of “dryness”, “lichenification”, “crusts”, and “affected area” (0–3); the correlation between observers and the evaluation of clinical improvement; and animal discomfort rated using a VAS (0–10) during follow-up were analysed. (3) Results: Twenty dogs completed the study. The mean GDS decreased significantly from Day 0 to Day 30 and Day 60 (p < 0.0001), with percentage reductions of 44.9% and 54.5% (investigators) and 54.3% and 62.3% (owners) on Day 30 and Day 60, respectively. Correlations between investigators and owners were significant for dryness, crusts (at Day 60), and the affected area, but not for lichenification. Animal discomfort scores decreased by more than 50% from Day 0. Owners reported high satisfaction with the product (mean score 8.1/10) and no adverse events occurred. (4) Conclusions: This open-label pilot study suggests that the tested balm is well tolerated and may improve clinical signs of NHK in dogs. Given the lack of a control group, small sample size, and absence of blinding, these results should be considered preliminary. Further randomized controlled trials and formal validation of the scoring system are warranted.
Keywords:
nasal; hyperkeratosis; dog; moisturizer; emollient balm
