Disease Ontology ID: DDTO:0000622

Disease Description: Inflammation and subsequent infection of the skin due to atopy

Inherit Mode: -

Disease Symptom: Many dogs with chronic allergy develop pink, red, bronze or dark skin. The bronzing color is from pigment in the dog's saliva that discolors the skin and the hair. Foot licking, recurrent ear inflammation, face rubbing, itching of the armpits and groin in a young animal is very suggestive of atopy.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: Diagnosis of allergies is a complicated task and usually involves various tests, such as skin scrapings, fungal cultures, and blood tests. However, the investigation of a suspected allergic dog includes rigorous treatment for external parasites and secondary bacterial and yeast infections, which often complicate and contribute to the itch. A diagnosis of food intolerance is made in 2-10% of dog with intense itch. Food allergies can be controlled without using drugs and are worth ruling out by introducing an elimination diet followed by dietary challenge to confirm the diagnosis. Elimination diets are time consuming and require considerable owner commitment. It can be up to 3 months before the dog stops scratching. Once other causes of itch have been ruled out, specific tests to detect allergic antibodies to environmental allergens can be undertaken to confirm the diagnosis of atopy.

Treat Method: Conventional therapy for atopic dermatitis relies on corticosteroids and antihistamines. Corticosteroids can be given by injection, by mouth, or by both routes. The most commonly used corticosteroids are prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone. While very effective when used to control itching and inflammation, corticosteroids have both short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term side effects include increased water intake, increased urination, increased appetite, and destruction of joint cartilage. Long-term side effects are numerous and include suppression of the immune system, infections, diabetes, liver disease, joint problems, obesity, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers. When needed, short-term use of fast-acting corticosteroids is preferred. Depot injections are not usually recommended for dogs, but are commonly used in cats.For the above reasons, holistic doctors prefer not using steroids for long periods of time unless it is absolutely necessary. In pets with allergy, antioxidants, fatty acids, hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners and herbal remedies can decrease itching and inflammation. Principal natural treatments include topical decontamination with frequent hypoallergenic shampooing and conditioning, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural diet.

Breeder Advice: -

Disease Description Source: Link