VETCOP: A New Tool for Understanding Pet Owner Topical Steroid Treatment Phobias in the Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Study From China and Singapore

Background:  Topical corticosteroids (TCS) phobia refers to the negative feelings and beliefs related to TCS. TCS phobia may lead to a lack of adherence to therapy and treatment failure in patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Objectives:  To quantify TCS phobia amongst pet owners of dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) with the hypothesis that there is no TCS phobia. Materials and Methods:  A validated topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) questionnaire adapted for veterinary use—termed Veterinary Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (VETCOP)—plus four additional questions were uploaded onto an online platform. Pet owners of dogs diagnosed with cAD from China and Singapore were recruited into the study via a QR code, and data were statistically analysed. Results:  In total, 363 respondents (276 female, 87 male) were enrolled in this study. The global median VETCOP score was 52.8%, with females exhibiting higher TCS scores compared to males, and older (> 60-year-old) pet owners expressing higher TCS scores than other age brackets. Surveyed pet owners expressed utmost concerns about their need for reassurances when TCS are prescribed and their willingness to pay for more expensive allergic medication other than glucocorticoids (topical or systemic). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:  Based on the findings of this study, TCS phobia could potentially be a widespread problem in veterinary dermatology, and veterinary surgeons may be the only source of information regarding the use of TCS on pets. The failure to communicate or reassure pet owners when TCS is prescribed may lead to therapeutic failure. © 2025 ESVD and ACVD.