Therapeutic strategies in clinical cases of canine atopy

Abstract

Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) is an inflammatory, pruritic skin disease that occurs in genetically predisposed animals. AD is usually considered a hypersensitivity reaction associated with IgE antibodies. However, clinical features of AD can also occur without an IgE response to antigens (i.e. allergens). This non-IgE dependent form is called intrinsic AD in humans and canine atopic-like dermatitis in dogs. AD is a condition that must be diagnosed using patient history and clinical signs, and not with serology or skin allergy tests. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines were issued by the International Task Force on Canine AD (Olivry et al., 2010). Although specific treatment suggestions were made for both acute and chronic flare-ups, for all cases clinical practice guidelines are organized around the following topics: (1) Identification and avoidance of factors involved in flare ups (2) Improvement in skin and coat hygiene and care (3) Reduction of pruritus and skin lesions with pharmacological agent, and (4) Targeted therapy of the allergy (intradermal allergy testing and desensitization). In this study we have carried out a review of the therapeutic options for CAD, as well as their application and response in 16 dogs with clinical signs of Atopic Dermatitis from the Dermatology Service of Veterinary Clinic Hospital of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.