Atopic Dermatitis
Description
Signalment
Certain breds are predisposed to atopic dermatitis. These include West Highland White Terriers, English Setters, Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, and Shih Tzus<sup.merck. The age of onset is generally between 6 months and 3 years, and there are no sex predispositions.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
Clinical signs usually occur on a seasonal basis but may be seen year-round with time. Pruritus is the characteristic sign of atopy and may be the only complaint. The feet, face, ears, flexural surfaces of the front legs, axillae, and abdomen are the most frequently affected areas. Lesions develop secondary to self-trauma and include alopecia, erythema, scaling, salivary staining, hemorrhagic crusts, excoriations, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation. Superficial staphylococcal pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, and allergic otitis externa with secondary infections are common complications. Chronic or recurrent otitis is the only complaint in a small number of animals.
Laboratory Tests
Biopsy
Other Tests
Pathology
Treatment
cyclosporin
Prognosis
Links
References
- Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterianry Manual (Eight Edition), Merial.