Canine atopic dermatitis: diagnosis and management

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common skin disease that small animal practitioners will see on an almost daily basis. The exact prevalence of CAD is unknown, but it is estimated that around 10–15% of dogs may be affected (Lund et al, 1999). This is a frustrating and incurable condition that has the potential to cause great distress to patients and owners. It is a common cause of ‘vethopping’, where owners move from vet to vet, seeking an elusive cure. When surveyed, 73% of owners thought that their dog's atopic dermatitis had a major impact on their pet's health-related quality of life, and 48% considered their own quality of life was affected (Linek and Favrot, 2010).

Much work has been done over the past decade in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CAD. What is clear is that CAD is a complex, multifactorial disease (Olivry et al, 2005, 2010). Veterinary dermatologists agree that the diagnosis of CAD is based on a set of historical and clinical criteria along with exclusion of other pruritic skin disease by diagnostic testing and therapeutic trials. (Figure 1). This investigation is time consuming, labour intensive and relies on good owner compliance. Atopic dermatitis is an incurable condition and requires lifelong management.