Canine Environmental Allergy: Atopic Dermatitis – A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis in dogs

Atopic dermatitis is a common and chronic skin disease in dogs caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites. This disease can have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected animals and their owners. This article explains in detail the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis
Canine environmental allergy: Atopic dermatitis 3

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Atopic dermatitis in dogs - causes

Allergens and their role in the development of the disease

The main causes of atopic dermatitis in dogs are various environmental allergens, including:

  • Pollen : Pollen from trees, grasses and shrubs can cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
  • Mold : Mold spores found in moist environments can also cause allergies.
  • Dust mites : These microscopic mites live in dust and dust and can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.

The allergens can be present seasonally (e.g. pollen) or all year round (e.g. dust mites) and worsen the symptoms of the disease atopic dermatitis.

Genetic factors and racial predisposition to atopic dermatitis

The predisposition to atopic dermatitis can also be genetic. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to the disease, including West Highland White Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, French Bulldogs and Dalmatians. However, any dog, regardless of breed or mixed breed, can be affected by atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary from dog to dog, but typical signs include:

  • Itching, manifested by scratching, biting and rubbing on the face, paws and stomach
  • Skin redness, flaking and hair loss
  • Dark discoloration of the skin and unpleasant odor
  • Ear problems such as inflammation and increased scratching of the ears
  • Frequent bacterial skin infections

Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Method of exclusion and differential diagnosis

To diagnose atopic dermatitis, it is important to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. This includes:

  • Food intolerances
  • Parasitic infestation (e.g. mange, flea infestation)
  • Secondary infections (e.g. bacterial or fungal skin infections)

Skin test to identify allergens in atopic dermatitis

Once other causes of atopic dermatitis have been ruled out, a skin test may be performed to identify the specific allergens that trigger atopic dermatitis. The fur on one side of the chest is shaved and small amounts of various allergens are injected into the skin. After about 30 minutes, reactions such as slight swelling and redness are assessed. Medications such as antihistamines or preparations containing cortisone can influence the skin test and should therefore be discontinued a few days to weeks before the test.

Treatment options for dogs with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition in dogs caused by an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. It is important to identify the cause of the allergic reaction and avoid or reduce it to relieve symptoms. Treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs may include various methods such as:

Medical therapy

Drug therapy may be used to relieve itching and inflammation of the skin. This includes:

a. Corticosteroids: These can be given as tablets, injections or topical ointments and help reduce inflammation and itching.

b. Antihistamines: These medications block histamine receptors and can reduce itching. However, they are not effective for all dogs.

c. Calcineurin inhibitors: These medications, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, can be used in the form of ointments to treat inflammation and itching locally.

d. Oclacitinib (Apoquel) and Lokivetmab (Cytopoint): These drugs are specifically designed to treat allergic skin diseases in dogs and work by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators.

Immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) can be used in dogs with atopic dermatitis. The dog is given a small amount of the triggering allergen over a longer period of time in order to gradually get the immune system used to the allergen and reduce the allergic reaction.

Care and management

To reduce itching and inflammation, it is important to keep the dog's skin healthy. This includes:

a. Regular baths: Baths with mild, hypoallergenic shampoos or special medicated shampoos can help remove allergens from the skin and relieve itching.

b. Strengthen the skin barrier: Use skin care products such as moisturizers and barrier sprays to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

c. Paw Care: Keep the dog's paws clean and dry to reduce irritation.

Environmental management

Try to keep the level of allergens in the dog's environment as low as possible, for example by vacuuming frequently, using air purifiers, and keeping the dog away from certain plants.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is important to support the dog's skin health. In some cases, a hypoallergenic diet or a diet with specific supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants may be helpful to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Probiotics

Using probiotics containing healthy bacteria can help restore the balance of microorganisms on the dog's skin and modulate the immune response.

Alternative medicine

Some dog owners choose complementary therapeutic approaches such as acupuncture, homeopathy or herbal remedies to relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It is important to discuss these treatment options with a veterinarian to ensure safety and effectiveness for the individual dog.

Stress management

Because stress can worsen itching and inflammation in dogs with atopic dermatitis, it is important to identify and minimize stressors in the dog's life. Regular exercise, a stable environment and behavioral training can contribute to this.

Supportive care measures

In addition to medication, supportive care measures can help alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis:

  • Regular grooming and brushing to remove dead hair and dander
  • Use of mild, hypoallergenic shampoos
  • Cleaning and caring for ears to prevent infections
  • Control and treatment of flea or insect infestations

It is important to work with a veterinarian to find and customize the most appropriate treatment for the affected dog. Depending on the severity of the disease and the dog's response to treatment, the therapy can be individually adjusted. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and give the dog a more comfortable life.

A combination of these treatment methods can help relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs and improve their quality of life. It is important to note that treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs is often long-term and requires regular follow-up visits to ensure the best therapy for the individual dog.

Frequently asked questions about atopic dermatitis:

How can I tell if my dog ​​has atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itching, scratching, biting, and rubbing of the face, paws, and abdomen. Some dogs have other parts of the body affected, and other patients show frequent bacterial infections. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

How can atopic dermatitis in dogs be treated?

Treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs involves a combination of desensitization, drug therapy, and supportive care measures. Desensitization is based on the results of the skin test and involves the administration of a customized allergen extract to reduce the dog's allergic reaction to the triggering allergens. Medications such as antihistamines, fatty acids and/or cortisone can be used to relieve symptoms. Supportive grooming measures such as regular grooming, use of mild, hypoallergenic shampoos, and ear cleaning are also helpful.

How can I prevent my dog ​​from developing atopic dermatitis?

Complete prevention of atopic dermatitis is not possible because genetic factors play a role.
However, some measures can help reduce the risk or reduce the severity of the disease: - Early detection and treatment of allergies and skin problems
- Regular control and treatment of flea or insect infestations
- Use of hypoallergenic foods in dogs with known food intolerance
- Reduction Exposure to allergens (e.g. mold, dust mites and pollen) through environmental cleaning and use of air purifiers
- Regular grooming and use of mild, hypoallergenic shampoos

Summary

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease in dogs caused by environmental allergens. Diagnosis is made through exclusion procedures and a skin test to identify the causative allergens. Treatment includes desensitization, drug therapy, and supportive care measures.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Krause or Ms. TÄ Perko .

Current research on the topic

Current research on atopic dermatitis in dogs focuses on various aspects of the condition to gain a better understanding of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Here are some areas where research is taking place:

  1. Genetics: Atopic dermatitis in dogs is believed to have a genetic component. Research focuses on identifying the genetic markers and mutations responsible for causing the disease. In the future, this could lead to early identification of dogs at higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
  2. Immune system: Researchers are studying the role of the immune system in the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs. They are trying to understand how the immune system responds to environmental allergens and why some dogs overreact. These findings could contribute to the development of new immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches.
  3. Skin barrier: The integrity of the skin barrier plays an important role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Researchers are studying the mechanisms that lead to skin barrier impairment in affected dogs to develop better strategies to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce symptoms.
  4. Microbiome: The skin microbiome, i.e. the community of microorganisms that live on the skin, is another area of ​​research. Studies are investigating how the microbiome is altered in dogs with atopic dermatitis and how these changes may contribute to the development of the disease. This may lead to new therapeutic approaches aimed at bringing the skin microbiome into balance.
  5. New therapeutic approaches: Current research is also focused on developing new therapeutic approaches to better treat the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs. These include new drugs that have a more targeted effect on the inflammatory reactions in the disease, as well as new forms of immunotherapy that target specific allergens.

Research into canine atopic dermatitis continues to advance, helping to advance the understanding of this complex disease. In the future, these findings could lead to improved diagnostic methods, preventive measures and more effective treatment options for affected dogs.

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