Atopic dermatitis in dogs: symptoms, treatment, photos

Atopic dermatitis in dogs is one of the most common problems in dog breeding. Modern environmental conditions have led to an increase in the number of allergic diseases among animals.

Atopic dermatitis is triggered by hypersensitivity to allergens. It is not transmitted from one animal to another, but is transmitted genetically, which has been proven by numerous studies, therefore, they should be treated based on anamnesis.

Causes of the disease

In dogs, dermatitis, as a rule, first appears from a year to 3 years, affecting up to 15% of animals, regardless of the sex of the animal.

The most common causes of atopic dermatitis include:

• genetic predisposition;
• all kinds of allergens (pollen from flowering plants, dust and dust mites, flea waste products, etc.);
• climatic conditions in the place of residence of the dog, affecting the path of penetration of pathogens;
• microclimatic environment of the dog;
• chronic diseases, the exacerbation of which provokes atopic dermatitis in dogs.

It is important to note that dermatitis caused by fleas is present in almost every animal, especially in those individuals that are not well-groomed by the owner.

Types of allergic reactions in dogs

1. In the first place is the atopic form of flea bite dermatitis, often called flea dermatitis. Up to 80% of animals get sick from this form.
2. The second place belongs to urticaria, which occurs as a result of an immediate reaction, accompanied by severe itching and swelling.
3. There is also a contact type of allergic dermatitis, which develops when a dog comes into direct contact with an allergen. In addition, there is food allergy, which occurs when hypersensitivity to certain foods, which can occur unexpectedly.

The greatest problem is the development of atopic dermatitis. Despite the hereditary nature of dermatitis, the pathways of its transmission are not fully understood.

Diagnostics

An important role in the diagnosis of the disease in dogs belongs to the clarification of the anamnesis, which will provide answers to the question about the allergic nature of the disease. In addition, in this case, the probability of detecting an allergen is high. Data on the dog's response and behavior will allow for an appropriate treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs.

First of all, it is necessary to clarify the following information with the owner of the animal:

• confirmed tendency of the dog to dermatological diseases;
• chronic manifestations of dermatitis with frequent relapses;
• the duration of the disease;
• the age at which dermatitis first appeared;
• severity of symptoms;
• dependence on seasonality;
• information about other individuals from the same litter;
• responses to therapy.

In addition, when clarifying the anamnesis, you should check with the owner of the dog:

• the presence of other animals in the house;
• how the pet is fed;
• walking mode and the possibility of street living;
• performing parasitic treatment;
• the nature of the litter;
• previous therapeutic measures and their effectiveness.

After a thorough history taking, it is necessary to differentiate atopic dermatitis from other diseases:

• flea bite allergy;
• food allergy;
• contact dermatitis;
• scabies;
• dermatitis malassezia, etc.

The next stage of the diagnosis is a visual examination of the animal and laboratory examinations:

• a thorough examination of the skin scraping is carried out;
• a general analysis of urine, potassium and blood is prescribed;
• a blood test for biochemistry is carried out;
• determination of fungal microflora is performed;
• it is recommended to determine the level of hormones in the blood.

In addition, to obtain the most accurate results, the dog is assigned a strict diet for 6-12 weeks. The responsibility for adhering to the diet depends entirely on the host. This method of examination allows you to exclude food allergies.

Based on this information, the veterinarian determines the symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in animals

As a rule, the symptoms of the disease are expressed by 6 main manifestations, among which 3 are the main ones, and 3 more are additional.

The main symptoms are:

1. The presence of persistent itching of the skin, in which the animal itches all the time.
2. Multiple damage to the skin in the muzzle and fingers (pictured), which leads to cracks in the skin, tears, suppurative processes, hyperpigmentation and the appearance of boils.

1. The appearance of focal lichenification due to scratching.

Additional symptoms:

• the dog has constant dryness of the skin;
• if the allergen is known, then the reaction of the animal manifests itself instantly;
• on examination, the external form of allergic otitis media is determined;
• the presence of superficial manifestations of staphylococcal infection.

This symptomatology indicates the hereditary nature of the development of dermatitis, which makes it possible to prescribe adequate treatment.

Criteria for the severity of atopic dermatitis in dogs

The severity of the disease is determined by the duration of exacerbations, the duration of remissions and the area of ​​the lesion:

DURATION OF EXCERVATIONS

• with a mild course of atopic dermatitis, the symptoms appear no more than 2 times a year for 2-3 weeks;
• the moderate stage of the disease is characterized by a longer course (1-2 months) no more than 3-4 times during the year;
• severe development of dermatitis is marked by a long course (more than 2 months) and is observed for more than 4 months a year.

DURATION OF REMISSION

• with a mild degree of atopic dermatitis, remission lasts 6-8 months;
• the moderate stage is characterized by 6-8 months of remission;
• with a severe degree of the disease, remission can last no more than 30 days or be absent altogether.

SQUARE AREA

• mild degree - characterized by single limited spots (pictured);

• moderate - determined by multiple lesions of the skin;

• severe - there are numerous lesions of the skin, which can merge into one vast area with a transition to erythroderma.

According to the severity of atopic dermatitis in animals, the most appropriate treatment is considered.

Treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs

As a rule, the treatment of the disease in dogs is carried out at home. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate all contacts with the allergen. Sometimes this requires a change of residence and a complete change in the life of the animal. It is important to carry out timely treatment against parasites, wet cleaning and airing the room.

In the practice of veterinary medicine, there are many medications for the treatment of animals.

Most often assigned:

• corticosteroids - Prednisolone, Dexamethasatone, Methylprednisolone;
• antihistamines - Suprastin, Benadryl, Fenistil, Zirtek, Tavegil, Peritol;

• tricyclic antidepressants - Pyrazidol, Trimipramine, Amitriptyline.

In addition, in the treatment of animals, polyunsaturated fatty acids can be prescribed, which must be taken once a day in the dosage prescribed by the veterinarian.

Preventive actions

Atopic dermatitis in dogs is not life threatening. However, if the disease is not treated in a timely manner, the pet's condition can turn into a severe form with a mass of secondary manifestations and an increase in intoxication of the body. In especially difficult cases, when it is impossible to cure atopic dermatitis with any medication, euthanasia is performed.

1. It is important to take care of your dog. Timely bathe the animal and treat it against parasites. In addition, you should not overfeed the dog and offer it food that the owner eats. This can negatively affect her digestion and, as a result, provoke an allergic reaction.
2. Physical activity is of great importance for the animal, so it is recommended to devote more time to walking with your pet in the fresh air.

You need to know that with the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian and in the subsequent examination it is recommended to be carried out at least 1 time in 2 months. After recovery, an examination is carried out every 12 weeks.

It is important to remember that all treatment procedures can only be performed after a medical examination. This prevents the development of undesirable consequences during treatment.