Canine atopic dermatitis: new targets, new therapies.
Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease of complex etiopathogenesis in both humans and dogs. Immediate-type hypersensitivity to environmental allergens that arises as a result of environmental and genetic factors is a major part of the pathogenesis in most but not all patients. Alterations in epidermal barrier function, priming of cutaneous antigen-presenting cells with IgE, intrinsic keratinocyte defects, and even development of autoimmunity are also factors that contribute to the primary disease. Secondary factors, especially infections with Staphylococcus and yeast organisms, strongly influence the course of this skin disease. The relatively recent understanding of the complexities of atopic dermatitis has resulted in changes in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the disease. We now know that the best therapeutic approach is to use combinations of multiple modalities individualized for each patient over the course of his or her lifetime.
Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA. deboerd@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
Douglas J
DJ
DeBoer
D000818:Animals; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents