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
Signs may be related to season, but with time can come to be seen year-round. Pruritus may be the only complaint, and is present in all cases of atopic dermatitis. Animals self-traumatise due to pruritus, which gives rise to lesions which include lopecia, erythema, scaling, salivary staining, hemorrhagic crusts, excoriations, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation.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 a 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.