Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Strategies

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease in humans and dogs worldwide. The pathogenesis of AD is multifactorial, immunologically complex, and may involve genetic factors, epidermal barrier dysfunction, microbiome changes, immune dysregulation, and allergic sensitization. Across species, prevalence of AD is on the rise. At present, there is no cure for canine AD (CAD). The treatment for CAD is multifaceted and aimed at controlling the pruritus, associated inflammation, and infections, repairing the skin barrier function, and dietary management. This review presents data on prevalence, impact, and complex immunological interactions in AD with a focus on subsequent management of the disease in the canine population. A multimodal approach for management of CAD to address varying clinical signs and responses to therapies is discussed.

Keywords:

• immunopathology
• topical therapies
• systemic therapies
• pruritus
• immune therapies
• alarmins

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the library staff at Western University of Health Sciences, specifically Kelly Hines for help with Endnote.

Disclosure

Dr Charli Dong reports occasional contracted speaker engagements for Zoetis and Hill’s. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.