About Atopic Dermatitis

What Is Canine Atopic Dermatitis?

In simple terms, atopic means 'allergic', and dermatitis means 'inflammation of the skin'. Put the two together, and you have atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic itchy skin disease which can affect both dogs and humans alike. 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 etc.)
• 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 of the body or widespread over the dog's 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, as many of the traditional treatments 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 is relatively common and the indications are that 10 to 15% of dogs may be affected.

Most cases of atopic dermatitis in dogs 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 thought to be a number of factors involved in causing atopic dermatitis.

The fact that atopic dermatitis often appears at a young age suggests that some dogs have an inherited, genetic predisposition to the disease. Genetic factors are also thought to be important in predisposing certain breeds of dog to develop the disease. 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 and Malassezia are common in dogs with atopic dermatitis. These are believed to worsen symptoms and contribute to the level of itch.