Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How fatty acids help treat itching in dogs with atopic dermatitis
By Schumann, J et al.·Published in Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition·2014·Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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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 itchy skin and red, inflamed areas was diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition caused by allergies. Treatment options include avoiding allergens, using medications like glucocorticoids and antihistamines, and adding polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to the dog's diet. These fatty acids can help reduce symptoms by affecting the function of mast cells, which play a role in allergic reactions. Many dogs have found relief from their itching and skin irritation with this dietary change, making it a valuable option for managing this condition.
People also search for: dog itchy skin treatment · polyunsaturated fatty acids for dogs · canine atopic dermatitis diet
Abstract
Canine 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 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24628699/