ATOPIC
DERMATITIS
Sabina Issabekova
DEFINITION
genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin
disease often associated with a production of immunoglobulin
(Ig) E against environmental allergens
SPECIES AFFECTED
Dogs
(3-15%)
Horses
(3,9%)
Cats
(12,5%)
CAUSES OR
PHATOPHYSIOLOGY
Allergens (food, pollen, mold, grasses)
Breed predisposition (immune system)
Filaggrin mutation
Skin barrier dysfunction
Environmental triggers
DOG BREEDS VULNERABLE
TO ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Chinese Shar-Pei
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Dalmatian
Boxer
Boston Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Scottish Terrier
Shih Tzu
West Highland White
Terrier
Fact: In the United Kingdom the risk of Labrador and Golden retrievers to develop AD was almost 50% due to
the genetic background. Breed predispositions can vary by their geographic location
CLINICAL SIGNS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Ear and skin infections
“Hot spots” (also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or
acute moist dermatitis)
Allergic conjunctivitis — signs include excessive tearing
and red eyes
Allergic rhinitis — sneezing
Flea allergy dermatitis
Food allergy dermatitis
Itching, scratching and rubbing
DIAGNOSIS
Classic signs of itchiness
Results of physical examination
Successful response to atopic treatments
Exclusion of other conditions that may have
similar signs
Fleas and other parasites
Bacterial and fungal infections of the skin and ears
Presence of allergen specific IgE
MANAGEMENT AND
TREATMENT
Immunotherapy
Topical Treatments
Allergy shots or oral immunotherapy
Direct care to soothe itching
Environmental Management Dietary Management
Minimizing exposure to allergens
Hypoallergenic diets or supplements
Medications
Long-term Care
Controlling skin damage
Chronic conditions requires continuous
attention
PROGNOSIS AND QUALITY
OF LIFE
While there is no cure to AD, its symptoms
can be effectively managed with proper
care
Complications have the potential to rise if
the symptoms are left untreated
The owner must be educated and be
willing to make consistent follow up with
veterenarians
CASE EXAMPLE
Visible skin infections
Swelling
Itching
Scabbing
Animal is in discomfort
CASE EXAMPLE
Immunotherapeutic treatment
Dietary restrictions
No further signs of disease
Excessive scratching when
stressed
CONCLUSION
Inflammation and skin damage on
an animal can have extremely
negative effects on the comfort of
the animal and can lead to the
development of secondary
infections
References
Collins, Brian. “Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy).” Cornell University College of
Veterinary
Medicine,
www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-andinstitutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/atopicdermatitisatopy#:~:text=Atopic%20dermatitis%20is%20a%20common,and%20it%27s%
20a%20lifelong%20condition.
Diaz, Sandra. “Canine Atopic Dermatitis.” MSD Veterinary Manual, Aug. 2020,
www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/atopic-dermatitis/canineatopic-dermatitis#Treatment_v3277944.
Gedon, N.K.Y., Mueller, R.S. Atopic dermatitis in cats and dogs: a difficult disease for animals and owners.
Clin Transl Allergy 8, 41 (2018).
Marsella, Rosanna, and Anna De Benedetto. “Atopic Dermatitis in Animals and People: An Update and
Comparative Review.” Veterinary Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 July 2017,
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5644664/#:~:text=Manifestations%20of%20atopic%20disease%20.
Marsella, Rosanna. “Atopic Dermatitis in Domestic Animals: What Our Current Understanding Is and How
This Applies to Clinical Practice.” Veterinary Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2 July 2021,
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8310319/.
THANK
YOU!
Sabina Issabekova