Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Allergic skin disease is believed to affect 10-30% of the canine population,1 and is reported as the third most common disorder of canine health conditions.2
There are a number of breeds found to be at an increased risk of atopic dermatitis. With a peak age of onset between 1-3 years it is unlikely to occur after 7 years of age. Significant breed variation exists for both the clinical presentation and age of onset.3
There are a number of breeds found to be at an increased risk of atopic dermatitis including several of the terrier types. With a peak age of onset between 1-3 years it is unlikely to occur after 7 years of age. Significant breed variation exists for both the clinical presentation and age of onset.
French Bulldogs and Shar-Peis, for example, have been shown to have a younger age of onset for atopic dermatitis with 53.3% of atopic French Bulldogs and 66.7% of Shar-Peis becoming affected in their first year of life compared to 28.5% of the total canine population.3
Dogs with canine atopic dermatitis present with a range of clinical signs including;
- Pruritis
- Erythema
- Otitis externa
- Recurrent bacterial or yeast infections
Dogs with canine atopic dermatitis present with a range of clinical signs including;
- Pruritis
- Erythema
- Otitis
- Recurrent bacterial or yeast infections
Favrot’s diagnostic criteria
Favrot’s diagnostic criteria is a well-accepted method to follow when working up cases canine atopic dermatitis. If five of the following criteria are met, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis is 85% and 79% respectively4:
- <3 years of age
- Living mostly indoors
- Steroid responsive pruritis
- Pruritis seen prior to lesions seen
- Affected front feet
- Affected ear pinnae
- Ear margins not affected
- Dorso-lumbar area not affected
References
- Marsella R and De Benedetto A. Atopic dermatitis in Animals and People: An Update and Comparative Review. Veterinary Sciences 2017; 4:37.
- Llewellyn-Zaidi AM, Evans KM, O’Neill DG et al. Large-scale survery to estimate the prevalence of disorders for 192 kennels club registered breeds. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology 2017; 4:8.
- Wilhem S, Kovalik M, Favrot C. Breed associated phenotypes in canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol 2011;143-9:22(2).
- Favrot C, Steffan J, Seewald W. et al. A prospective study on the clinical features of chronic canine atopic dermatitis and its diagnosis. Vet Dermatology 2010; 21:23-31.
