Canine atopic dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases of the allergic nature among dogs. We consider the statistics relating to the frequency of occurrence of this pathology among pets according to their breed and living conditions. In particular, in this statistics we observe the dogs of such breeds as Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever as the most susceptible to atopic dermatitis. We define the characteristics of atopic dermatitis and give the main hypotheses of pathogenesis of this disease. The main links of pathogenesis of immunological and barrier theories are also discussed in the article. We also found out the differences of the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis such as: increased transepidermal loss of moisture, decrease of ceramides, mutation in the protein of the filaggrin, anomalies of the lipid lamellas. We emphasize the importance of the influence of the secondary bacterial infection on the inflammation and itching. The itching is listed as the main symptom of the atopic dermatitis which requires the thorough differential diagnosis of the other diseases with the similar clinical manifestations. The age of the animal is considered as an important criterion for the diagnosis. In the article we give the most common medications that are used to treat atopic dermatitis: Glucocorticosteroids, cyclosporin A. Then we study the possibility of using the lipid-based supplements for the recovery of skin barrier. We focus attention on more modern and current treatments of atopic dermatitis such as an application of monoclonal antibodies for targeted therapy, and the possibility of using allergen immunotherapy. In conclusion we discuss the feasibility of searching new more effective methods of treatment of this pathology.