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Atopic dermatitis in West Highland white terriers – part I: natural history of atopic dermatitis in the first three years of life
Author(s) -
Favrot Claude,
Fischer Nina,
Olivry Thierry,
Zwickl Lena,
Audergon Sabrina,
Rostaher Ana
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/vde.12801
Subject(s) - atopic dermatitis , medicine , natural history , white (mutation) , dermatology , biology , biochemistry , gene
Background Canine atopic dermatitis (c AD ) is a common allergic skin disease that is known to affect individuals early in life; the natural history of its initial development has not been documented. Some breeds such as West Highland white terriers ( WHWT s) are highly predisposed to cAD . Objectives To follow 100 WHWT puppies during their first three years and to record the onset of clinical signs of c AD . Animals One hundred and eight puppies from 29 litters were included and 90 were followed for three years. Methods and materials Puppies were examined initially while with their breeders. After adoption, the owners were contacted twice each year and dogs were examined by veterinarians if signs compatible with c AD were detected; diagnosis of cAD was by two different definitions. The onset, location of the clinical signs and severity of c AD , as well as co‐morbidities were recorded. Results The prevalence of c AD in the cohort was 52%. Most affected dogs (60%) developed signs of c AD during their first year of life and males were over‐represented. The location of clinical signs mirrored those of previous descriptions. The severity of c AD was mild in 36% and severe in 13% of affected WHWT s. Dogs with c AD often exhibited other atopic diseases, but only gastro‐intestinal signs were significantly different between WHWT s with and without c AD . Adverse reaction to foods was diagnosed in 24% of dogs. Conclusion and clinical importance This longitudinal study of puppies from a predisposed breed sheds new light on the early development of c AD in WHWT s.