Clinical Management of Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Thirty cases of canine atopic dermatitis were diagnosed on basis of history of persisting non-seasonal pruritus, epidemiological factors, lesion distribution and exclusion of hypothyroidism and infestation/infections. The lesions were characterized by erythema, salivary staining, excoriation, hyperpigmentation, lichenification and moderate to severe pruritus. Clinical score varied from 10 to 15 with mean of 12.67 on 20 point scale. Lesions were distributed on face, ventrum, trunk, feet, ear pinnae and flexural fold. Concurrent secondary infections/infestations were observed in 11 dogs (36.66%) at the time of referral. Therapy with hydroxazine (2.0 mg/kg P.O. T.I.D), cetirizine (1.0 mg/kg P.O. O.D) and tacrolimus spray (0.02%, local application twice daily) in group A, B and C along with supportive medication with either oatmeal, Selenium sulphide or Chlorhexidine/Miconazole shampoo and oral supplementation of essential fatty acids showed 30, 30 and 70% efficacy in controlling pruritus. Failures in A,B,C groups were subjected to tacrolimus spray locally with oral cyclosporine 5 mg/kg P.O. daily. Atopic dermatitis was successfully managed in all diagnosed cases