Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and common allergens of dog skin allergy in the Middle East
By G. Zur et al.·Published in Veterinární Medicína·2012·The Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel, CZ·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Canine atopic dermatitis in the Middle East: clinical signs, signalment and common allergens
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 164 dogs, including breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, which causes itchy skin and lesions. Many of these dogs showed symptoms before six months of age, with most living indoors and having skin problems on their bellies and feet. The study found that a significant number were allergic to dust and dust mites, while others reacted to weeds and trees. Effective flea control helped rule out flea allergies, allowing for a clearer diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Understanding these factors can help pet owners manage their dog's skin issues better.
People also search for: dog itchy skin treatment · Labrador Retriever skin allergies · German Shepherd atopic dermatitis symptoms
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine for the first time the various aspects of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) presenting in a Middle Eastern country. Medical records of 164 dogs diagnosed with CAD were evaluated. Associations between signalment, lifestyle, clinical signs and allergens were evaluated statistically. Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd dog, Boxer, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever and Shar-Pei breeds were presented more frequently than the regular hospital population (P < 0.0001), and had an earlier disease onset time (P < 0.01). In 22 dogs (13%) signs of CAD were noticed at less than six months of age. Most dogs (75%) lived indoors. Most dogs (83%) had lesions on the ventral part of the body and 68% had foot lesions. After excluding flea allergy dermatitis by implementing strict flea control, 60% of the dogs presented with dorsal distribution of skin lesions. Dogs with ventral lesions were younger when clinical signs first appeared (P < 0.05). Most of the dogs were allergic to dust and/or dust mites (75.6%), with weeds and trees as the next most common allergens. CAD is similar worldwide, but geographic differences may be attributable to genetic pools and allergen loading. This study also shows that early onset of clinical signs, especially in breeds predisposed to CAD and with a dorsal distribution of skin lesions, should not rule out the diagnosis of CAD.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.17221/6309-VETMED