Atopic Dermatitis is also known as allergy of skin in canine and feline. Atopic Dermatitis is characterized by the chronic pruritis ( Itching ) and a typical distribution of the skin lesions or marks. Atopic Dermatitis or Atopy is the condition in which dog suffer from chronic allergy or itching or chronic skin condition that is related to the environmental allergies. This will occur in dog after flea, ticks or dermatitis conditions.
“Atopic Dermatitis is the allergic reaction that inflammatory in origin associated with severe allergies”
Atopic Dermatitis generally associated with IgE Antibodies to the environmental allergens. Proper diagnosis is based on the clinical signs, history and exclusion of the other causes of the pruritis. This skin condition develops due to the allergy or allergens in canine and feline.
Etiology / Causes / Reason : Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs
This disease is occur due to allergy or various allergens. This allergic reaction can be brought by the harmless substances like, grasses, mold spores, house dust mites or other environmental factors or allergens. In other way dog allergy can occur due to allergens that is found in pollen, animals dander, plants and insects. But dogs can also be allergic to the foods and medication as well.
Other Main Factors Responsible For Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs :
- Due to direct contact with another animals or infected animals, object, plant or irritating chemical substance.
- Massive rubbing on skin.
- Yeast or any type of fungi.
- Allergy to foods.
- Pyoderma in dogs.
- Pododermatitis in dogs.
- Canine Acne.
- Deficiency of nutrients.
- Infestations of parasites such as ticks, mites, fleas, lice and worms.
- Allergens that are found in pollen, animals dander, plants and insects.
Breeds that are prone to Atopic Dermatitis in dogs are following as :
Atopic Dermatitis in dogs breeds occur due to genetic condition in various dogs breeds are following as :
- Terriers.
- Beagle.
- Lhasa apsos.
- Pugs.
- English and French Bull dogs.
- Labrador.
- Golden Retriever.
- Labra doodles and Golden doodles.
- Miniature schnauzer.
- Irish And English setter.
- Dalmation.
- Boxer.
- Boston terrier.
- Shih Tzu
Clinical Signs / Symptoms : Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs
There are few symptoms that shown in Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs following as :
- Rubbing.
- Itching.
- Scratching.
- Licking.
- A yeasty smell.
- Greasy skin.
- Redness of tough/hard skin.
- Lesions include rashes.
- Alopecia ( Baldness ).
- Patches on skin.
- Scaling.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Hemorrhagic crusts.
- Excoriations ( Skin Picking Disorder ).
- Lichenification ( The skin has become leathery and thickened ).
- Erythema ( redness on the skin caused by any injury or trauma or any inflammation ).
- Erythematous macule ( inflammation ).
Secondary infection in ear and skin with species of bacteria Staphylococcus And Malassezia are the common and the often worsen the clinical signs. Chronic or the acute otitis may be the only complaint in a small number of animals.
Most commonly effected area of dog on Atopic Dermatitis :
- Ears.
- Armpits.
- Muzzle.
- Belly.
- Feet.
- Groin.
- Underbelly.
- Base of the tail.
- Around the eyes.
- Between the toes.
- Affected ear pinnae.
- Affected front paws.
- Ankles.
- Underarms.
Diagnosis Of Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs :
Atopic Dermatitis is related with many other skin disease that include any type of pruritis. So diagnosis is little bit difficult for atopic dermatitis. Diagnosis is depend upon history, clinical signs and other symptoms of pruritis.
Diagnosis depend upon clinical symptoms, medical history and additional laboratory examination. A complete blood count test done for the examination of allergy determining factors. This process is also known as serological allergy test. This test determine the antibody IgE to specific allergens. Increase in the allergen specific IgE usually there means a over reaction to that allergen in the body.
Intradermal skin test may also be done to determine the cause of allergy. Small amounts of test allergen are injected into the dogs skin and red bumps is measured. Allergic reaction appears on skin when allergy is present. Veterinary dermatologist can determined the exact condition of the allergic reaction on the dogs skin.
There are another causes of the atopic dermatitis are pruritis, food allergies, hormonal imbalance ( hypothyroidism ) or inflammatory disorder like dry skin or infection that cause a dog to scratch the skin.
The most important differential diagnosis of the atopic dermatitis in dogs are :
- Ectoparasites : Fleas, Scabies, Demodicosis, Cheyletiellosis, Pediculosis, Otoacariosis.
- Microbial Skin Infections : Staphylococcal pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis.
- Allergic skin disease : Flea allergy dermatitis, food allergy, insect bite hypersensitivity, contact dermatitis.
- Neoplasia : Cutaneous lymphoma.
Treatment / First Aid : Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis
There is no any proper treatment of atopic dermatitis because this is due to allergic reaction in dogs and cats. But that medication which help in the improvement quality of the patient to relief from this disease. Regular management and hygienic conditions helps to manage the atopic dermatitis cases. There is only symptomatic treatment that help to reduce the symptoms of the atopic dermatitis in dogs.
First Aid Of Atopic Dermatitis :
- Deworming tablets.
- Antibiotics tablets.
- NSAIDS
- Anti – Inflammatory tablets.
- Bathing – Medicated Shampoo.
- Ticks, Mites, Fleas control powder.
Treating Atopic Dermatitis with natural remedies :
- Probiotics.
- Cleanliness.
- Vitamin – E oil.
- Omega rich supplements.
- Environmental.
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