Atopy Dermatitis
Atopy dermatitis is the predisposition to allergic disease in response to environmental allergens. One of the most common source of allergens causing atopy is the house dust mite. Tree, grass and weed pollens can also cause this disease. Flea allergic dermatitis and parasitic infections such as sarcoptic mange (scabies) and otodectic mange also cause allergic-type reactions.
How is Atopy Diagnosed?
The clinical signs of atopy can sometimes indicate which particular allergy is affecting a dog.
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Crusted red spots affecting the ear flaps, outer aspect of elbows and hindlimbs with intense itchiness, sometimes with family members affected, is typical of sarcoptic mange. Itching with hair loss, crusting and scaling affecting the lower part of the back and tail base, often with sudden spinning round to nibble, is indicative of flea allergy dematitis.
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Foot licking, recurrent ear inflammation, face rubbing, itching of the armpits and groin in a young animal is very suggestive of atopy.
However, diagnosis of allergies is a complicated task.The investigation of a suspected allergic dog should include rigorous treatment for external parasites and secondary bacterial and yeast infections which often complicate and contribute to the itch.A diagnosis of food intolerance is made in 2-10% of 'itchy' dogs. It can be controlled without using drugs and is worth ruling out by introducing an elimination diet followed by dietary challenge to confirm the diagnosis.Elimination diets are time consuming and require considerable owner commitment. It can be up to 3 months before the dog stops scratching.Once other causes of itch have been ruled out, specific tests to detect allergic antibodies to environmental allergens can be undertaken to confirm the diagnosis of atopy.
What Treatments Are Available For Atopic Dogs
Unfortunately, dogs rarely 'grow out' of their allergies and most atopic dogs require lifelong therapy. Various treatments are available and your veterinary surgeon will recommend the best regime. Unfortunately, many atopic dogs are prone to recurrent secondary bacterial and yeast infections which will require intermittent or ongoing therapy as well as treatment to control the underlying allergic disease. An atopic dog can be difficult to treat and expensive.
Can I Breed An Atopic Dog
Veterinary dermatologists recognise that certain breeds are predisposed to develop allergic skin disease and that the tendency to develop atopy is often inherited.Therefore, affected animals should not be used for breeding. The breeders of atopic animals should be informed if a particular sire and dam produced affected offspring and this should influence decisions regarding future breeding.