Allergic dermatitis is commonly known as Atopic dermatitis. It is the tendency to allergic disease in response to environment allergens. House dust mite is one of the common allergy causing source. Tree, grass and weed pollens also cause atopic dermatitis. Parasitic infections which include sacroptic mange and otodectic mange, and flea allergic dermatitis are also allergy-causing reactions.
Signs and Diagnosis of Atopy
Severe itching does not start in allergic pets. As the allergy proceeds, the dog develops pink or red skin, darkening and bronzing of the skin. Some symptoms which may indicate Allergic dermatitis include foot licking, recurrent ear inflammations, face rubbing, itching of the armpits and groin in a young animal. Common staphylococcal bacteria affect the skin, which causes papules or pustules. When the papules or pustules rupture, scabs can also be formed. Secondary yeast infections which are common in allergic dogs make a dog itchy, greasy, red and stinky.
Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis may be a difficult task and would be based upon clinical signs and various skin and blood tests. A diagnosis of food intolerance would be made in itchy dogs and can be controlled without using drugs and could be cancelled out by the introduction of an elimination diet which is then followed by dietary challenge to confirm the diagnosis. Elimination diets are very time consuming and would require the commitment of an owner. It may take up to 3 months before the dog can stop scratching. Once the other causes of itching have been governed out, tests to detect allergic antibiodies to environmental allergy causing agents can be used to confirm the diagnosis of atopy.
Breed Predisposition
Certain breeds are predisposed to develop allergic skin disease and atopy is often inherited. Breeds which are at a higher risk to this disease include Belgian Tervuren, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Cairn Terrier, Dalmtian, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Labrador, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Retriever, Scottish Terrier, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Wirehaired Fox Terrier, West Highland White Terrier,
Treatments for Atopic Pets
It is very difficult for dogs to grow out of allergies and most dogs would require lifelong therapy. Veterinarians may recommend various treatments and best regime.
Diseases related to Atopic dermatitis
· Acanthosis Nigricans
· Allergic Dermatitis (Atopy)
· Alopecia
· Atopy
· Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia
· Bullous Pemphigoid
· Color Dilution Alopecia
· Comedo syndrome
· Cornification Disorder
· Cutaneous Asthenia
· Dermoid Sinus
· Eczema
· Erythema multiforme
· Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
· Histiocytosis
· Growth Hormone-Responsive Dermatosis
· Hookworm Dermatitis
· Hormonal Skin Diseases
· Juvenile Cellulitis
· Lethal Acrodermatitis (LAD)
· Lipomatosis, multiple
· Nodular Dermatofibrosis
· Panniculitis
· Pelodera Dermatitis
· Pemphigus foliaceuos
· Primary Idiopathic Seborrhea
· Skin Problems In West Highland White Terriers
· Sebaceous Adenitis
· Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
· Vitamin A-Responsive Dermatosis
· Vitiligo
· Zinc-responsive Dermatosis
· Vasculopathy
· Veterinary Drugs