Condition14 connections · 2 sources
Atopic Dermatitis
Genetic tendency to develop allergic skin disease from environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold.
Key Facts
- Genetic basis — predisposed breeds include Golden Retriever, Labrador, West Highland White Terrier
- Allergens enter through defective skin barrier, not necessarily inhaled
- Dogs: onset typically 1-3 years; foot licking, ear inflammation classic signs
- Cats: face/neck itching, hair loss, may hide scratching behavior
- Meeting 5 diagnostic criteria yields 85% accuracy in dogs
- Allergy testing is for immunotherapy formulation, NOT diagnosis
- Hyposensitization (allergy shots) is only treatment that changes immune system
Connections (14)
Related Conditions
ConjunctivitisCondition
— allergic conjunctivitis trigger
Dust Mite AllergyCondition
— dust mites are common allergen
Eosinophilic Granuloma ComplexCondition
— common underlying cause
Feline AcneCondition
— predisposing condition
Food AllergyCondition
— commonly concurrent
Hot SpotsCondition
— allergic trigger
Pemphigus FoliaceusCondition
— differential diagnosis
PyodermaCondition
— most common underlying cause
Recurrent Staphylococcal PyodermaCondition
Atopic dogs have a compromised skin barrier that allows bacterial colonization and infection.