Atopic Dermatitis
How common is atopic diseases in dogs?
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
What are other types of canine allergic dermatitis?
Is there a cure for atopic dermatitis?
How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
How is atopic dermatitis treated?
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease caused by common allergens such as pollens mold and dust mites. It causes itching and can be so severe that the dog's scratching can lead to complications such as skin lesions, hair loss and secondary infections. Atopic dermatitis usually occurs seasonally at first, but then can become a year around problem
How common is atopic dermatitis in dogs?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common allergic skin disease in dogs. It is estimated that 14.4% of dogs are affected and about two-thirds of these dogs are chronic cases.
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
Itching is the main symptom. Initial sores or lesions can appear as reddish patches or small cone shaped bumps where the dog has scratched. The itchiness and sores appear most commonly in five areas:
- Ears
- Feet
- Folds of skin
- Friction points
- Flexure spots like the elbow
Atopic dogs scratch, bite and lick until they lose hair and irritate the skin. Over time the skin thickens and will produce high levels of oils, often producing an odor.
What are other types of canine allergies?
Dogs can also be affected by food allergies, flea allergies and contact dermatitis. It is important that all aspects of your dogs itching is checked by your veterinarian.
Is there a cure for atopic dermatitis?
Like human allergies, atopic dermatitis is a lifetime condition that can be controlled but not "cured". However, the condition can be successfully managed so that your dog can live in comfort. The first signs usually appear between six month and three years, after your dog has developed sensitivities to common allergies.
How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
There are a series of different test to check your dogs skin conditions. These can range from the following:
- Check for the presence of flea
- Skin scrapings for the presence of mites
- Skin slides for the presence of bacteria or fungus
- Food trials
- Allergy testing
How is atopic dermatitis treated?
There are a variety of different treatment for atopic dermatitis. These can range from weekly allergy injection, to shampoos to oral treatments. It is best to check with your veterinarian and have a complete dermatological examination on your pet.
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Treatment Options
Skin Irritants
Demodex
Mites
Sarcoptic
Mange Mite
Dust
Mite
Pollens
Molds