Atopic dermatitis
occurs when hypersensitive dogs come into contact with common allergens such as house
dust mites, pollens or moulds, which then generate an allergic skin reaction.
Just like humans, dogs may suffer from skin allergies. In general,
an allergy is an extreme or "hypersensitive" response of the body's immune
system to "offending" substances called allergens. A skin allergy occurs when this
reaction is manifested in the skin, often as redness and itching.
Atopic dermatitis
occurs when hypersensitive dogs come into contact with common allergens such as house
dust mites, pollens or moulds, which then generate an allergic skin reaction.
Atopic dermatitis is the second most common form of skin allergy amongst dogs: an estimated 10% are affected. A genetically inherited and normally lifelong disease, the first signs of atopic dermatitis usually occur between 6 months and 3 years of age.
The main sign of atopic dermatitis is itching. Dogs will chew on their feet, rub their face on the carpet, and gnaw and scratch at their skin. These actions, in turn, worsen skin inflammation, and cause lesions, hair loss and dry, flaky skin.
Since several different skin diseases can cause itching, your veterinarian will perform some diagnostic tests and treatment trials to exclude other diseases and reach a final diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your veterinarian may also perform an allergy test to pinpoint the exact cause of the allergy. There are two basic types of allergy testing:
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease often complicated by concurrent infections. Managing atopic dermatitis may require multiple therapies. There are several treatments available for dogs that suffer from atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, there is no cure.
Avoidance of the offending allergens is, theoretically, the best solution. But in most cases, this turns out to be impossible. Your veterinarian may therefore either establish a treatment regimen to control signs or try a desensitisation therapy.
Corticosteroids are extremely effective in relieving severe itching and inflammation. However, the drawback is that they can have many short- and long-term side effects on the dog.
Cyclosporin is a new oral medication (capsule) specifically developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It has been proven highly effective in relieving signs without the long-term side effects associated with corticosteroids.
Antihistamines may help control itching, especially in conjunction with other treatments. However, since dogs respond differently to different antihistamines, several types may have to be prescribed before an effective one is found.
Fatty acids are a natural product with some anti-inflammatory properties. They are used as feeding supplements and may be useful as a complementary treatment.
Topical therapy, consisting of shampoos, rinses and topical anti-itch solutions offer immediate but only short-term relief.
Desensitisation, also called immunotherapy, requires identifying the offending allergen. A series of injections are then administered over a lengthy period of time to "desensitise" the dog to the offending allergen. When effective, this therapy is a valid option; but unfortunately, not all dogs respond to it.
The management of atopic dermatitis may require other products, such as antibiotics and antifungals to cure any concurrent infections. Moreover, it is essential to treat atopic dogs with vigorous flea control to prevent a possible allergy to fleas.
When a dog suffers from atopic dermatitis, control of the disease can be difficult and sometimes frustrating. It is essential to keep in mind that this is a chronic disease demanding ongoing care. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure, but your veterinarian will determine what's best for you and, most importantly, your dog.
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