Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification.

Patrick Hensel,Domenico Santoro,Craig Griffin,Peter Hill,Claude Favrot

doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0515-5

Patrick Hensel, Domenico Santoro + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0515-5

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Abstract

BackgroundCanine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, genetically predisposed, inflammatory and pruritic skin disease. The variation in clinical presentations, due to genetic factors, extent of the lesions, stage of the disease, secondary infections, as well as resemblance to other non-atopic related skin diseases, can complicate a diagnosis of canine AD. A sub-group of the International Committee for Allergic Diseases in Animals (ICADA) was tasked with the development of a set of practical guidelines that can be used to assist practitioners and researchers in the diagnosis of canine AD. Online citation databases and abstracts from international meetings were searched for publications related to the topic, and combined with expert opinion where necessary. The final set of guidelines was approved by the entire ICADA committee.ResultsA total of 81 publications relevant for this review were identified. The guidelines generated focus on three aspects of the diagnostic approach:Ruling out of other skin conditions with clinical signs resembling, or overlapping with canine AD.Detailed interpretation of the historical and clinical features of patients affected by canine AD.Allergy testing by intradermal versus allergen-specific IgE serum testing.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of canine AD is based on meeting clinical criteria and ruling out other possible causes with similar clinical signs. Flea combing, skin scraping and cytology should be performed, where necessary, as part of a thorough work-up. Elimination diet trials are required for patients with perennial pruritus and/or concurrent gastrointestinal signs. Once a clinical diagnosis of canine AD is made, allergy testing can be performed to identify potential causative allergens for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Highlights

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, genetically predisposed, inflammatory and pruritic skin disease
It is associated most commonly with IgE antibodies to environmental allergens [1]. This definition encompasses many aspects of the pathogenesis and clinical aspects of the condition, it is important to remember that this disease has no pathognomonic clinical signs that permit a definitive diagnosis to be made upon initial owner interview and clinical examination [2]. This is due to the diversity of the clinical presentation, which may depend on genetic factors [3, 4], extent of the lesions, stage of the disease, and the presence of secondary microbial infections or other flare factors
It is estimated that between 10 and 30 % of dogs with a clinically confirmed canine AD may show a negative IntraDermal Testing (IDT) [49, 50]. This high percentage of false negative results can be due to several factors including improper technique, too low test concentration of allergens [51, 52], drug interference [46], intrinsic host factors, incorrect selection of allergens, IDT performed too long after (>60 days) or during the peak allergy season, and presence of a condition called atopic-like dermatitis [49]

Summary

Results

A total of 81 publications relevant for this review were identified. The guidelines generated focus on three aspects of the diagnostic approach: 1. Ruling out of other skin conditions with clinical signs resembling, or overlapping with canine AD. 2.

Conclusions

Background

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