Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Environmental factors linked to atopic dermatitis in Labradors
By Harvey, Naomi D et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2019·School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Environmental risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective large-scale study in Labrador and golden retrievers.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that Labrador and golden retrievers are at risk for atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes itching and discomfort. Factors that increased the risk included being male, neutered, and raised in urban areas, while living with other dogs and spending time in nature seemed to offer some protection. Interestingly, chocolate-colored Labradors were more likely to develop this skin issue compared to their black or yellow counterparts. Understanding these environmental influences can help pet owners take steps to reduce their dog's risk of developing skin problems.
People also search for: dog skin problems in Labradors · atopic dermatitis treatment for golden retrievers · why is my dog itching · environmental factors affecting dog skin health
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is one the most common and distressing skin disorders seen in dogs. It is characterized by dysfunction in the skin barrier, with a complex pathogenesis combining both genetic and environmental factors. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate associations between environmental factors and case-control status in two closely related, at-risk breeds, the Labrador retriever and golden retriever. ANIMALS: Two thousand four hundred and forty-five pet dogs, of which 793 were classed as cases (575 Labrador and 218 golden retrievers) and 1,652 as controls (1,120 Labrador and 532 golden retrievers). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Case-control status was assigned based upon owner response to a standardized validated questionnaire. Retrospective data on rearing environment were collected via additional questions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were utilized to evaluate associations between environmental factors and case-control status. RESULTS: Risk factors included being reared in an urban environment (not living currently in an urban environment), being male, being neutered, receiving flea control and being allowed on upholstered furniture. Protective factors included living with other dogs (not cats) and walking in woodlands, fields or beaches. Additionally, amongst Labrador retrievers, chocolate-coloured dogs were at greater risk of having cAD than black- or yellow-coated dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study is the largest of its kind to date to investigate the role of the environment in cAD. Although precise triggers are unclear, this study complements earlier studies in highlighting the protective role of a rural environment and some novel associations with disease development.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31407839/