J Biomed Res.  2013 Dec;14(4):201-205.

A retrospective study for allergic dermatitis in 35 dogs

• Jang HM
• Kang BT
• Jung DI

Abstract

Allergic disorders are exaggerated immune responses to foreign antigens, regardless of the mechanism, while atopic disorders are exaggerated IgE-mediated immune responses (type I hypersensitivity). Allergic dermatitis is a common pathological condition of skin in humans and dogs. Canine allergic dermatitis presents with clinical signs similar to those reported in humans, and its causes are complex; therefore, diagnostic tests and treatments may need to be adjusted for each patient. Dogs with allergic dermatitis can suffer from secondary infections, which must be considered and confirmed or excluded for successful treatment. In this report, 35 cases of canine allergic dermatitis diagnosed using variable methods, including histological and cytological examination, are described. Patients were treated with oral or topical medications (antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, immune modulators, topical ointments, and medicated shampoos), and their diets and environmental surroundings were also modified. This report provides an analysis of the breed, gender, age of onset, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatments for canine allergic dermatitis. The information on canine allergic dermatitis presented here could be helpful in the study of human cases because these two species often share living spaces, environments, and lifestyles more closely than other animals. However, previous reports have suggested that human and canine allergies differ in some features, such as involvement of histamine in induction of pruritus, and in histopathological characteristics such as cutaneous structures.

Keyword

a retrospective study; allergy; dermatitis; atopy; dog

MeSH Terms

Age of Onset
Animals
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Coinfection
Dermatitis*
Diagnostic Tests, Routine
Diet
Dogs*
Histamine
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Life Style
Methods
Ointments
Pruritus
Retrospective Studies*
Skin
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Histamine
Ointments