PATHOLOGIES WE TREAT
Canine atopic dermatitis and feline atopic skin syndrome
Introduction
Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) are chronic inflammatory skin diseases characterized by an overreaction of the immune system to environmental allergens. This triggers itching, irritation, and skin lesions.
Although the use of the term "atopic dermatitis" (AD) in cats is debated, this article refers to both conditions as AD.
AD is a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of both species. This article addresses the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for managing this condition.
Causes
Although its etiology is multifactorial, the primary cause of AD is a genetic predisposition to react to certain environmental allergens. The most common allergens include:
- Dust mites.
- Plant and grass pollen.
- Fungal spores.
In both species, the immune system reacts disproportionately when exposed to these allergens, causing skin inflammation. This inflammation is the primary cause of itching (pruritus), which leads animals to scratch, lick, or bite excessively, resulting in skin lesions.
Symptoms
Signs of AD in dogs and cats include:
- Intense pruritus: Pets scratch, lick, or bite areas such as the abdomen, armpits, ears, and paws. In cats, this also includes the neck and back, often leading to skin wounds.
- Redness (erythema): The affected skin becomes red, indicating inflammation and sensitivity.
- Alopecia: Visible bald spots caused by constant scratching or licking, especially on the abdomen and paws.
- Secondary infections: Wounds may become infected due to external factors and persistent licking.
- Otitis externa: Inflammation of the ear canal with itching, redness, or discharge, common in dogs.
- Specific lesions in cats: Miliary dermatitis (papules and crusts) and eosinophilic lesions such as ulcers, plaques, or granulomas in severe cases.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats includes:
- Evaluating the clinical history (symptoms, age of onset, and seasonality).
- Excluding other causes such as food allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, and ectoparasites.
- Conducting intradermal or blood allergy tests to identify allergens.
Treatment
The treatment of atopic dermatitis aims to improve the animal's quality of life, alleviate pruritus, and prevent relapses. A multimodal approach includes:
- Environmental control: Reducing allergens in the environment.
- Systemic medications: Such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, oclacitinib, and lokivetmab for dogs.
- Personalized immunotherapy: For more severe cases.
The use of specific products with soothing and anti-inflammatory agents is essential to relieve symptoms, protect the skin, and enhance the animal’s well-being. Skinnia Calm offers an effective solution within this approach, providing immediate relief, strengthening the skin barrier, and maintaining adequate skin hydration.
Prevention
- Environmental control: Regularly clean the environment to reduce allergens and use waterproof covers for beds and mattresses.
- Skin care: Keep the skin hydrated with specific products and avoid excessive bathing with inappropriate products.
- Proper nutrition: Provide a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Veterinary check-ups: Regular monitoring to adjust treatments as needed.
Favrot, C., Steffan, J., Seewald, W., & Picco, F. (2010). A prospective study on the clinical features of chronic canine atopic dermatitis and its diagnosis. Veterinary Dermatology, 21(1), 23-31.
Marsella, R. Atopic Dermatitis in Domestic Animals: What Our Current Understanding Is and How This Applies to Clinical Practice. Vet Sci. 2021 Jul 2;8(7):124.
Halliwell, R. (2006). Revised nomenclature for veterinary allergy. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 114(3-4), 207-208
Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H., & Griffin, C. E. (2001). Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. Elsevier, 6th ed.
Sousa, C. A., & Marsella, R. (2001). The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (X): guideline for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 81(3-4), 285-296
Olivry, T., DeBoer, D. J., Favrot, C., Jackson, H. A., Mueller, R. S., Nuttall, T., ... & International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals. (2015). Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC veterinary research, 11, 1-15.
Miller, J., Simpson, A., Bloom, P., Diesel, A., Friedeck, A., Paterson, T., Wisecup, M., & Yu, C. M. (2023). 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 59(6), 255–284
Feline Dermatology. By Chiara Noli and Silvia Colombo (Eds). Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland, 2020.
Bioadhesive transparent gel indicated to moisturise, protect and soothe the dry skin of small animals.