Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Canine Atopic Dermatitis is a genetically predisposed, inflammatory and pruritic skin disease with characteristic clinical features associated with IgE antibodies directed against environmental allergens. Primary dermatological signs includes pruritis, lesions at ventral, face, feet and axilla, otitis externa, erythema of inner ear flap and erythema of paws. Signs due to secondary disease include pyoderma, malassezia and chronic skin changes such as seborrhea, hair loss, hyperpigmentation and lichenification. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, intradermal test and elevated IgE. Treatment of atopic dermatitis includes avoidance of flare factors, treatment of secondary infection, topical tacrolimus, topical and oral glucocorticoids, cyclosporine and allergen specific immunotherapy.