Atopy in Dogs

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Atopy in Dogs

By: Dr. Mark Thompson

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Section: Information In-depth

Many skin diseases of dogs feature pruritus (itching) as a symptom and may appear similar to atopy. Ruling out other causes of pruritus is an important part of establishing a diagnosis.

Diseases that can appear similar to atopy include:

Food allergy in dogs commonly causes a pruritic skin condition. As with atopy, dogs with food allergy often chew their feet, rub their faces and scratch their ears. Thus, the symptoms of food allergy are virtually indistinguishable from those of atopy. One important historical difference to remember is that atopy symptoms usually begin between one and four years of age, whereas food allergy can begin at any age. A dog with an onset of signs that is less than eight months of age or over six years of age, is unlikely to have atopy. Also, atopy is usually well controlled by treatment with corticosteroids (hormones) like prednisone.

Food allergy is variably responsive to prednisone; only about 50 percent of affected dogs will respond.

Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergic skin disease seen in the United States. Like food allergy, it is variably responsive to corticosteroids. Dogs with flea allergy tend to chew and scratch at their back ends, so lesions are typically seen over the rump, on the belly and between the hind legs. This difference helps to differentiate this disease from atopy. It is possible, however, to see atopy and flea allergy in the same animal.

Scabies is an itchy skin disease of dogs caused by the sarcoptic mange mite. Affected dogs are extremely itchy and often have lesions on their ears, elbows and hocks. Lesions may also be seen elsewhere on the dog. This disease is poorly responsive to treatment with corticosteroids.

Pyoderma (bacterial infection of the skin) is often associated with atopy and other pruritic skin diseases. Chronic self-trauma to the skin breaks down normal defense mechanisms and allows colonization by bacteria leading to infection. Infected skin can be very itchy. Some animals with atopy are only mildly itchy most of the time but may be much worse when they have pyoderma. Less commonly, yeast infections of the skin may be seen secondary to atopy and can also cause the animal to be itchy.

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1 Food Allergy in Dogs
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1 Acute Moist Dermatitis (Hot Spots)
A hot spot starts because something irritates the skin, and the body either itches or becomes inflamed. The itching then causes the dog to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, creating...
Read More
2 Food Allergy in Dogs
Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...
Read More
3 Alopecia (Hair loss) in Dogs
Alopecia is the complete or partial lack of hair in any area of the skin where hair would normally be found. In dogs, it may be caused by self-trauma, hair follicle diseases or the failure of hair to grow...
Read More

Atopy in Dogs

Atopy in Dogs

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