Incidence of Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) in Mizoram

The study conducted to evaluate the incidence of canine atopic dermatitis in Mizoram and to assess its clinical features according to the diagnostic criteria of the disease. The dogs brought with the history of recurrent pruritus and fulfilling clinical criteria given by Favrot et al. (2010) were subjected for various diagnostic techniques. After exclusion of other pruritic dermatological problems such as flea allergy dermatitis, scabies and demodecosis, intradermal test with environmental allergens was performed on atopic dogs. They were later evaluated for distribution of clinical lesions and severity measured by Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index. Evaluation of serum IgE using Canine IgE Rapid test kit and serum Interleukin-31 levels using the Serum Interleukin-31 ELISA kit was done. Blood samples were analyzed for hemato-biochemical parameters. The incidence rate of canine atopic dermatitis was 3.27% (20/612) and the age group of 6 months to 3 years were mostly affected. Incidence was higher in female dogs. Hematological study revealed significant changes in total leukocyte count, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and eosinophilia. For biochemical parameters, there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin. Serological estimation of immunoglobulins and interleukin revealed significant (p<0.05) increase in levels of IgE and interleukin-31 in the serum of atopic dogs. The dogs showed positive intradermal test to house dust, house dust mite and some pollen.

• Multifactorial disease with recurrent pruritus as hallmark sign.

• Immunoglobulins IgE and interleukin-31 can be used as a diagnostic marker for canine atopic dermatitis along with intradermal skin test.