Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs: Causes And Symptoms
Atopic dermatitis in dogs is a skin disease that consists of swelling and irritation of the skin, usually caused by an allergen. It is a multi-factor pathology and, currently, there is no drug treatment of any kind.
Today, canine atopic dermatitis is the main skin problem presented by dogs visiting veterinary clinics. However, the causes are not yet well defined and it seems that the disease develops differently in each animal. Let’s see together what are the causes and symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Why do dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis in dogs can be caused either by internal or intrinsic factors to the animal itself, or by external or extrinsic factors. The sum of these variants and the different pressure that each of the factors can exert will provoke the manifestation of the disease to a greater or lesser extent.
Intrinsic factors
Breed plays a key role in whether or not atopic dermatitis develops in dogs. For example, beagles are known to possess a recessive allele for a gene that causes the overproduction of IgE or immunoglobulin E.
Immunoglobulin E is a protein belonging to the immune system that plays a key role in allergen management. This immunoglobulin can increase the immune response to allergens and trigger an allergic reaction. Additionally, there are a few cell types involved in the reaction:
- Langerhans cells and dendritic cells of the skin: they have the task of capturing the allergen.
- Mast cells: mediate inflammation.
- B cells: create antibodies.
- Cooperating cells: produce substances that activate B cells.
In addition, in the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs, a set of substances related to the inflammatory process play an important role :
- Histamine.
- Serotonin.
- Leukotrienes.
- Cytokines.
Extrinsic factors
Environmental allergens are considered to be the main external factors responsible for the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs. They are:
- Pollen from various plants.
- Dust mites.
- Mushrooms.
- Mold.
- Synthetic fabrics.
- Insects.
Some research has determined that dust mites are the allergens that cause the most atopic dermatitis, both in the United States and in Europe.
On the other hand, it appears that dogs with atopic dermatitis are more likely to suffer from allergic dermatitis to flea bites. Additionally, dogs suffering from this disease often suffer from secondary staph and Malassezia infections .
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
To determine whether or not a dog suffers from this condition, many symptoms must occur at the same time, but also other factors. Possible symptoms of dermatitis in dogs are:
- Itching.
- Muzzle and paws affected.
- Thickening of the skin on the inside or outside of the paws.
- Episodes of recurrent or chronic dermatitis.
- High levels of IgG.
- High levels of IgE.
- Malassezia infection .
- Otitis externa in both ears on a regular basis.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Red face skin.
- Dry skin.
However, there are specific, albeit high-cost, tests to find out what a dog is allergic to. In this way, we can avoid the allergen as much as possible and thus prevent the animal from suffering multiple outbreaks.
On the other hand, with the help of a veterinarian we can rule out which substances are causing harm to the dog and eliminate them from his routine. This process is longer and more complicated, but it always begins with a change in the dog’s diet and the use of hypoallergenic foods.
