Clinical Symptoms of Canine and Feline Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis is a skin allergic reaction involving IgE. The causes have two aspects: endogenous and exogenous factors. Endogenous factors include heredity, abnormal hormones and allergic constitution. Exogenous factors include seasonal and non-seasonal environmental factors, such as inhalation of pollen, dust, wool, etc.; ingestion of horse meat, ham, milk and other foods; in addition, injection of drugs, mosquito bites, internal and external parasites and pathogen infections, as well as physical and chemical factors can also cause exogenous allergies.

Dogs and cats aged 1 to 3 years are prone to it. The initial onset sites are around the eyes, between the toes, under the armpits, in the groin and perineal area. Allergic dermatitis caused by flea bites is prone to occur on the lower back. Sick dogs and cats mainly show severe itching, erythema and swelling, and some have papules, scales and hair loss. In long courses, pigmentation, thickening of the skin and formation of lichen and wrinkles may occur. In chronically ill dogs and cats, itching is mild or disappears, but some have a course of more than one year. Usually, those that occur for the first time in winter can heal naturally. When there is a seasonal recurrence, the affected area expands, and otitis externa, conjunctivitis and rhinitis are often complicated. After being cured with steroids, it can recur.

The principles are to eliminate the cause, anti-allergy and local skin treatment.