Introduction
Atopy is a clinical syndrome involving immune-mediated hypersensitivities (allergies) to one or more normally innocuous environmental allergens that are either inhaled or absorbed through the skin. In dogs, atopy it is also known as allergic inhalant dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema. Atopy is one of the most common allergic skin disorders in dogs.
How Atopy Affects Dogs
Atopy is a genetically-influenced disorder causing dogs to become hypersensitive to things that normally would not cause them to have an allergic reaction. The mode of inheritance is not known, and factors in addition to heredity may well influence the development of the disease. The hallmark of canine atopy is intense and chronic itching, scratching, licking, biting, chewing and rubbing, which can be seasonal and tends to affect the feet, face and underbelly. It commonly is associated with self-trauma and secondary skin infections. Other frequently affected areas are the base of the tail, the groin area, around the eyes, around and inside the ears, under the “armpits,” between the toes, on top of the feet and on the muzzle. Many atopic dogs develop recurrent ear infections. In severe cases, the effects of atopy lead to bumps, scabs, salivary staining of hair and “hot spots” on the skin. Unfortunately, most dogs with seasonal atopy eventually progress to having non-seasonal disease.
Causes of Atopy in Dogs
As mentioned above, atopy is an abnormal reaction to contact with normal things. Common contributors to atopy include pollen, grasses, weeds, trees or other plants, mold, household cleaners, dust mites, animal dander, chemicals and innumerable other environmental allergens. There is no clear sex predilection, although atopy does seem to be slightly more common in female dogs. The age of onset can vary widely, and certain breeds are predisposed. Atopy has a strong genetic component.
Prevention of Atopy
As with other hypersensitivity reactions, atopic reactions can be prevented by eliminating the dog’s exposure to the offending allergens, which can be identified through allergy testing if they are not otherwise obvious. Other prevention techniques include minimizing other sources of itchiness (fleas, ticks, food allergies, etc.), so that the itchiness caused by the atopic reaction is not compounded.
Special Notes
Atopy cannot be “cured,” but normally it can be controlled with medication, diet and life-style management. It is not life-threatening but does require treatment to facilitate a good quality of life for affected animals.