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Canine atopic dermatitis

02 November 2023
18 mins read
Volume 28 · Issue 11
Figure 3. 
A 5 year old male entire Springer Spaniel with severe saliva staining on the dorsal aspects of the hindpaws.
Figure 3. A 5 year old male entire Springer Spaniel with severe saliva staining on the dorsal aspects of the hindpaws.

Abstract

This article provides an overview on canine atopic dermatitis, diagnostics and therapeutic options for clinicians in general companion animal practice. Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory and hereditary disease that is seen in around 10% of patients and can require lifetime management similar to eczema in humans. The treatment of canine atopic dermatitis can be separated into reactive and proactive management and should be catered to the patient, owner and the clinical signs exhibited. It is important to effectively communicate with clients to ensure appropriate management.

Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory and hereditary disease that affects around 10% of the patients under veterinary care (Hillier and Griffin, 2001). The International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals has recently proposed a change in definition to a ‘predominantly T-cell driven inflammatory skin disease involving an interplay between skin barrier abnormalities, allergen sensitisation and microbial dysbiosis’ (Tamamoto-Mochizuki et al, 2023a). Canine atopic dermatitis is very similar to human atopic dermatitis, most commonly referred to as eczema, and usage of this word rather than ‘allergy’ can help owners understand the chronicity of disease and the need for lifetime management.

When considering the number of dogs seen daily in companion animal practice, this 10% reflects a large number of patients and their owners living with a condition that impacts both pet and caregiver quality of life (Noli et al, 2011). Over the last few years, a change has been seen to the face of canine atopic dermatitis. Previously, this condition was most often seen in in Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and West Highland White Terriers, whereas now, French Bulldogs, designer Cavapoo and Cockapoo's, alongside the ever-faithful Labrador Retriever are seen more frequently (Bizikova et al, 2015).

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