Exam 2 - Canine Atopic Dermatitis Flashcards
what is canine atopic dermatitis?
genetically predisposed inflammatory & pruritic allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features associated with IgE Ab most commonly directed against environmental allergens
pollen, mold, dander, mites, insects, & foodstuffs
what is canine atopic-like dermatitis?
inflammatory & pruritic skin disease with clinical features identical to those seen in canine atopic dermatitis in which an IgE response to environmental or other allergens cannot be documented
T/F: it is estimated that 10-15% of animals have canine atopic dermatitis
true
what breeds are predisposed to canine atopic dermatitis?
terriers, spaniels, bulldogs, dalmatians, & sharpeis
what is the age of onset seen in dogs with atopic dermatitis?
0.5-3 years old
T/F: in a dog with atopic dermatitis, if there are no underlying infections, it will have an excellent response to steroids for treating the pruritus
true
what are some clinical signs that may clue you in to canine atopic dermatitis?
itch, recurring to chronic skin/ear infections, self-traumatic hair loss, & odor
the lesion distribution is commonly seen in what skin disease?
canine atopic dermatitis
how is canine atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
there is no reliable test that can differentiate it from other pruritic inflammatory conditions, so the diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs/findings, & the exclusion of other differential diagnoses
when is allergy testing used as a tool for patients with canine atopic dermatitis?
identifying offending allergens for inclusion in immunotherapy in atopic patients with a compatible history & clinical signs for more than 6 months out of the year
what are the favrot clinical criteria that are used for a clinical diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis?
onset under 3 years of age
mostly indoor dog
steroid responsive pruritus
chronic or recurring yeast infections
alesional pruritus at onset
front paws affected
pinnae affected
what is the pathophysiology of canine atopic dermatitis?
sensitization - allergens are absorbed & epidermal langerhans cells capture/uptake/process it & takes it to regional lymph nodes as an antigen presenting cell to t cells
CD4 Th2 cells proliferate & secrete IL-4, IL-5, & IL-13 which induce B cells to produce IgE antibodies
re-exposure - allergen-specific IgE bound to LC capture/uptake/processing & then are presented to allergen specific T cells
CD4 Th2 cells proliferate & secrete IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-31 (pruritogenic cytokine) which induces b cells to produce IgE antibodies & mast cell activation
what is ASIT?
practice of administering gradually increasing quantities of an allergen extract to an allergic subject to ameliorate the symptoms associated with subsequent exposure to the causative allergen
why are allergy tests used?
to select candidate allergens for immunotherapy & to institute allergen avoidance strategies
T/F: no allergy test is completely sensitive or specific & can just reflect allergen exposure in normal patients
true
T/F: allergy tests are screening tests for allergies in pruritic dogs
false - not screening tests
what is intradermal testing? how is it used for patients with atopic dermatitis?
process of introducing antigens into the dermis of atopic patients to elicit macroscopic hypersensitivity reactions - a positive challenge can manifest as an immediate-phase reaction or a late phase reaction
doesn’t diagnose it but it can help support the presence of atopic-like dermatitis with a negative test
what are some indications for pursuing intradermal testing for patients that are suspected to have canine atopic dermatitis?
after you have a clinical diagnosis of CAD established
used to support diagnosis
patient has persistent signs over 6 months
used to select allergens for immunotherapy
owner is willing to administer immunotherapy
what is allergen-specific IgE serology?
blood allergy test - process by which allergen-specific IgE is identified & quantified in the serum of a patient suspected of being affected with atopy
once atopic dermatitis has been confirmed in your patient, how is ASIT used? how long does it take?
retrain the immune system in your patient that has signs that occur greater than 6 months out of the year
or if symptomatic therapy isn’t tolerated or effective
may take 6-12 months to take effect