Header-Icon-TOH

Canine atopic dermatitis is one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions in clinical practice, accounting for a significant proportion of veterinary consultations.

Canine Atopic Dermatitis management is a central challenge in veterinary dermatology due to the chronic, multifactorial nature of the disease. 

This chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin disease substantially impairs canine quality of life and often places a long-term burden on pet owners because of frequent veterinary visits and lifelong treatment requirements.

Fortunately, recent advances in veterinary pharmacology and immunology have expanded the therapeutic arsenal, enabling more effective and targeted disease control. 

Pathogenesis of Canine Atopic Dermatitis

The pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis is complex and not yet fully understood. It is widely accepted to be multifactorial, involving:

This interplay of factors results in chronic inflammation, heightened pruritus, and recurrent skin lesions.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Typical Presentation

The age of onset for atopic dermatitis in dogs generally ranges between 6 months and 3 years. Hallmark clinical signs include:

Laboratory findings may show elevated serum IgE levels, although this is not diagnostic.

Secondary Complications

Secondary bacterial and yeast infections, particularly involving Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp., are common and frequently exacerbate clinical signs.

Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Diagnosis is primarily clinical and exclusionary, based on:

Canine Atopic Dermatitis Management: A Multimodal Approach

Effective canine atopic dermatitis management requires an individualized, multimodal strategy aimed at:

Veterinary dermatology therapeutics options

Glucocorticoids

Calcineurin Inhibitors

Ciclosporin A (oral)

Tacrolimus (topical)

JAK Inhibitors in Veterinary Dermatology

Oclacitinib (Apoquel® – Zoetis)

Apoquel® is approved for dogs ≥12 months of age for:

It selectively inhibits JAK1/JAK3-dependent cytokines, providing rapid relief with a favorable safety profile.

Ilunocitinib (Zenrelia® – Elanco)

Zenrelia® is a novel oral JAK inhibitor targeting JAK1, JAK2, and TYK2.

Key benefits:

Atinvicitinib (Numelvi® – MSD Animal Health)

Numelvi® is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor, offering:

Adverse effects are generally mild, transient, and self-limiting.

Biologic Therapy

Lokivetmab (Cytopoint® – Zoetis)

Cytopoint® is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-31, a key mediator of neurogenic pruritus.

Antihistamines

Despite widespread use, antihistamines offer limited efficacy in canine atopic dermatitis due to the disease’s complex inflammatory pathways.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy 

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (oral or injectable) involves gradual exposure to relevant allergens to induce immune tolerance and remains the only disease-modifying therapy for canine atopic dermatitis.

Dietary Management

Examples include:

These diets support immune modulation, reduce inflammatory cytokines, and enhance skin barrier integrity.

Adjunctive Management Strategies

Bathing and Skin Care

These measures help reduce allergen load and support epidermal barrier function.

Allergen Avoidance

While challenging, minimizing exposure to:

Environmental control strategies such as HEPA filtration and enhanced hygiene are recommended.

Management of Secondary Infections

Secondary bacterial and yeast infections must always be addressed, as they:

Conclusion: Advancing Canine Atopic Dermatitis Management

Modern canine atopic dermatitis management has evolved significantly, driven by innovations in targeted immunomodulatory therapies, biologics, and specialized nutrition. For veterinarians and veterinary pharmaceutical stakeholders, adopting an integrated, evidence-based approach is essential to improve long-term outcomes, enhance patient quality of life, and optimize client satisfaction in this complex chronic disease.

Written by Marcos Rivas, PhD

Edited by Belén Colazo-Salbetti, PhD

References

Dermatitis CaninaDescarga