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→Clinical Signs
===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
In dogs, flea allergic dermatitis usually causes marked pruritus, although individual variation does exist. Lesions are most typically seen on the caudal dorsum, the inner and posterior thighs and the umbilical area
Animals typically present with a history of compulsive biting, chewing and licking. Cats may scratch around the head and neck. Signs of fleas and flea dirt may be seen on both dogs and cats.
Clinical exam findings depend on the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction and the degree of exposure to fleas. Fleas or flea dirt may be found, but these can be removed by overgrooming. In dogs, low molecular weight hapten and two high molecular weight allergensflea allergic dermatitis usually causes marked pruritus, although individual variation does exist. Lesions are most typically seen on the caudal dorsum, the inner and posterior thighs and the umbilical area
, but any region may be affected. Within fifteen minutes of receiving a flea bite a papule appears and persits for up to 72 hours, when it forms a crust. However, these lesions may be difficult to appreciate due to the secondary changes that result from self-trauma in response to pruritus. These may include excoriations, erythema, seborrhoea, hyperpigmentation and lichenification. A mild secondary bacterial folliculitis may also be present.
, but any region may be affected. Within fifteen minutes of receiving a flea bite a papule appears and persits for up to 72 hours, when it forms a crust. However, these lesions may be difficult to appreciate due to the secondary changes that result from self-trauma in response to pruritus. These may include excoriations, erythema, seborrhoea, hyperpigmentation and lichenification. A mild secondary bacterial folliculitis may also be present.