About Atopic Dermatitis

About Atopic Dermatitis

What Is Canine Atopic Dermatitis?

In simple terms, atopic means 'allergic', and dermatitis means 'inflammation of the skin'. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic itchy skin disease that affects both dogs and humans. It occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to allergens in the environment, causing symptoms such as:

• Itching (you may see your dog scratching, rubbing, chewing or biting itself excessively).
• Scratch marks (caused by the above).
• Redness (which may or may not be caused by scratching).
• Discolouration of the skin (known as hyperpigmentation).
• Skin thickening (known as lichenification).
• Self-induced hair loss (known as alopecia).

Atopic dermatitis can be limited to a few areas or spread over the entire body, usually the face, feet, ears, folds, friction and flexure areas.*

Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent disease that usually requires lifelong therapy. It is difficult to treat. Many traditional therapies are only partly effective and may be associated with side effects.

*Friction sites are the areas that come in contact with the ground. Flexure points are the patches of skin covering the bent portions of the joints.

How Common Is Canine Atopic Dermatitis?

It isn't known exactly how many dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis. However it’s relatively common and is estimated to affect around 10-15% of dogs.

Most cases begin between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. It is common for the disease to begin as a seasonal condition and progress to a year-round problem over time.

Causes Of Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs

There are a number of potential causes of atopic dermatitis.

Since it often appears at a young age, it’s thought that some dogs have an inherited, genetic predisposition to the disease. Genetic factors are also thought to predispose certain breeds. West Highland White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Boxers, Dalmatians and Retrievers are all thought to be at higher risk.

It is thought that atopic dermatitis occurs in most dogs when their immune cells react to allergens in the environment, such as:

• House dust mites
• Pollen
• Mould
• Insects.

And, possibly:

• Skin surface microbes.

Secondary skin infections, such as Staphylococcus (bacterial infection) and Malassezia (yeast infection)are common in dogs with atopic dermatitis. These are believed to worsen symptoms and contribute to the level of itch.