How does canine atopic dermatitis provide a unique opportunity to study spectrum of care?

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) provides opportunities to study spectrum of care (SOC) because it is a common, chronic, nonfatal disease often requiring owner-performed multimodal therapy. Canine atopic dermatitis's lifelong nature allows for investigation into SOC factors including financial limitations, client and patient compliance, owner and patient quality of life, and access to veterinarians. Literature addressing financial burden and compliance for cAD treatment is extremely limited. Research on quality of life of patients and owners with cAD has improved our understanding of owner perspectives. This article highlights SOC veterinary and medical research shaping cAD care and encourageds further investigation of this topic.