Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How unsaturated fatty acids help treat itchy skin in dogs with atopic
By Schumann, J. et al.·Published in Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition·2014·Institute of Physiological Chemistry Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany, Germany·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Treating canine atopic dermatitis with unsaturated fatty acids: the role of mast cells and potential mechanisms of action
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with atopic dermatitis (a skin condition causing itching and inflammation) may benefit from a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These fatty acids can help reduce symptoms and improve skin health, although the exact way they work is still being studied. Along with dietary changes, other treatments like avoiding allergens and using medications may also be recommended by your veterinarian. Many dogs have shown improvement in their skin condition and comfort levels after starting PUFA supplements.
People also search for: dog itching treatment · atopic dermatitis in dogs · polyunsaturated fatty acids for dogs
Abstract
SummaryCanine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an inflammatory skin disorder that is characterized by pruritus and associated cutaneous changes. Treatment interventions include allergen avoidance, allergen‐specific immunotherapy as well as a symptomatic therapy using glucocorticoids and antihistamines. In addition, a dietary intervention using polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been shown to alleviate symptoms in some dogs. Although the beneficial effects of PUFA in the treatment of CAD have been known for several years, their mode of action remains unclear. This review discusses the evidential basis of the therapeutic use of dietary PUFA in the treatment of CAD. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of cutaneous mast cells. In addition, recent evidence from in vitro studies on the regulation of mast cell exocytosis will be used to build a mechanistic model of the active principle of PUFA. It is proposed that dietary PUFA are integrated into mast cell membranes resulting in a reorganization of membrane microdomains. This may then be accompanied by functional changes of membrane‐associated proteins such as the phospholipases D (PLD), enzymes having an important impact on mast cell exocytosis processes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12181