Ironing out the wrinkles and folds in the epidemiology of skin fold dermatitis in dog breeds in the UK

Abstract

Skin fold dermatitis (intertrigo) is an inflammatory process of closely apposing skin surfaces. Extreme conformations towards folded skin in many dog breeds are linked with higher risk. Using anonymised primary-care veterinary data from the VetCompass Programme, this study aimed to report the frequency, demographic risk factors and clinical management for skin fold dermatitis in the UK. Risk factor analysis used random effects multivariable logistic regression modelling. From a study population of 905,553 dogs, the one-year period prevalence in dogs overall was 0.37% (95% CI 0.35–0.39). Diagnosis was supported by laboratory testing in 4.21% cases. Systemic antibiosis was used in 42.30% cases. Compared with crossbreed dogs, the most highly predisposed breeds were English Bulldog (odds ratio [OR] 49.07, 95% CI 37.79–63.70), French Bulldog (OR 25.92, 95% CI 19.62–34.26,) and Pug (OR 16.27, 95% CI 12.20–21.69). The most protected breeds were Yorkshire Terrier (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.56), Border Collie (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.84), Jack Russell Terrier (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30–0.92) and Labrador Retriever (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.93). This study adds further evidence to the welfare concerns around high popularity of dog breeds with extreme conformations. The three breeds with by far the highest odds of skin fold dermatitis represent an extreme brachycephalic conformation.