Atopic Dermatitis

Description

Atopic dermatitis is a heritable disorder in which animals are hypersenstive to common environmental allergens. It is one of the most common skin diseases of dogs worldwide.

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 are often, but not always, seasonal. Pruritus is the key feature of atopic dermatitis and may be the only complaint. This gives rise to self-trauma, causing lesions. Lesions can include alopecia, erythema, scaling, crusting, excoriations and salivary staining. With time, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation develops. Certain areas of the body are affected more frequently than others: the feet, face, ears, axillae and vental abdomen are predilection sites. Secondary infections such as superficial staphylococcal pyoderma and Malassezia are common. A small number of cases may present only with chronic or recurrent otitis externa.

Treatment

cyclosporin

References

1. Beale, K M (2006) Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Signs and Diagnosis. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference 2006.
2. Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterianry Manual (Eight Edition), Merial.