Atopic Dermatitis


Description: Atopic dermatitis (synonyms: canine atopic dermatitis, canine inhalant dermatitis, allergic inhalant dermatitis) has been defined as the inherited ability to form reaginic antibodies against environmental allergens and to express clinical allergic signs to these allergens. The main clinical sign is pruritus (itching), most often shown by licking or chewing of the feet and inguinal area and rubbing and scratching the face, ears and axillary regions. Additional signs are reversed sneezing, discoloration of the coat, bilateral conjunctivitis, erythema (reddening), papules and alopecia (hair loss). Depending on the location in the United States, the disease is often seasonal since the allergens are seasonal. Typical allergens are dander; pollens of grasses, weeds and trees; house dust; and molds. The disease occurs in both sexes, but some studies have reported a higher incidence in females. In about 75% of cases, the disease eventually becomes nonseasonal and may thus occur year round.

Age of Onset: In approximately 75% of cases, the disease appears between 1 and 3 years of age, and in a few cases, may occur before 12 months of age.

Diagnosis: It is essential to first rule out other skin disorders such as mange, ringworm, hookworm, and food allergies by performing skin scrapings, bacterial and fungal cultures, fecal analysis, and trials of hypoallergenic diet. Then other tests may be done to confirm atopy.

Intradermal skin tests are the only accepted in vivo (in the living animal) method for clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Approximately 90% of affected dogs will give a positive immediate skin reaction depending on the allergen. Short-acting barbituates can be used to calm excitable dogs for skin testing.

There are 2 in vitro (in glass, or in the laboratory, not in the animal) tests that may also be useful in excitable dogs or in those with widespread diffuse dermatitis:

  • Radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Correlation between skin tests and these in vitro tests varied between 7% and 89%

Positive results on the skin tests, RAST or ELISA tests and the presence of the clinical signs described above confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment: The most desirable treatment is to avoid the allergen, but this is most often not possible. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone or prednisolone are often effective, at least for a time. Antihistamines are effective in some cases. Hyposensitization or tolerization may be effective but they generally require a long course of treatment.

Mode of Inheritance: The disease is clearly inherited, but the exact mode of inheritance has not been determined.

The disease affects many breeds including West Highland White, Cairn, Fox and Boston Terriers; Lhasa Apsos; Miniature Schnauzers; Poodles; Boxers; German Shepherds; English and Irish Setters; Dalmatians; Golden and Labrador Retrievers; Shar Peis; English Bulldogs; and Pugs.

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Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.


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