Atopic Dermatitis in Animals and People: An Update and Comparative Review

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is an extremely common, pruritic, and frustrating disease to treat in both people and animals. Atopic dermatitis is multifactorial and results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Much progress has been done in recent years in terms of understanding the complex pathogenesis of this clinical syndrome and the identification of new treatments. As we learn more about it, we appreciate the striking similarities that exist in the clinical manifestations of this disease across species. Both in animals and people, atopic disease is becoming increasingly common and important similarities exist in terms of immunologic aberrations and the propensity for allergic sensitization. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent views on atopic dermatitis in both domestic species and in people emphasizing the similarities and the differences. A comparative approach can be beneficial in understanding the natural course of this disease and the variable response to existing therapies.

A pilot study of immunotherapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis using a mannan‐Dermatophagoides farinae allergoid targeting dendritic cells

“…Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common skin condition, and allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has been used to manage it . Immunotherapy usually involves the subcutaneous injections of native allergen extracts administered in sequentially increasing amounts .…”

Alternatives to animal testing in basic and preclinical research of atopic dermatitis

“…A great variety of animal models of AD are in current use. Notably, dogs, cats and horses develop AD‐like lesions spontaneously . Of these, canine AD models are frequently used as their phenotype and clinical symptoms closely resemble those of human AD .…”

Atopic dermatitis in West Highland white terriers – part I: natural history of atopic dermatitis in the first three years of life

“…Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is one of the most frequent skin diseases of dogs and a common cause of pruritus in this species. 1 The specific prevalence of cAD is unknown, but it has been estimated that approximately 10% of dogs are affected worldwide. 2 Some breeds appear predisposed to develop this disease and in such breeds the proportion of cAD-affected dogs is likely much higher.…”