Profile of the canine population with atopic dermatitis at the dermatology service of the Veterinary Hospital from Federal University of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is an IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity reaction to sensitization to environmental allergens. Pathogenesis is quite complex, involving genetic and environmental factors, food allergens, skin barrier defects and immune dysfunction. Data on its prevalence and epidemiological aspects in Europe and North America are easily found in the literature. However, when searching for specific national locations, studies are still scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of canine AD at the dermatology service of the Veterinary Hospital from Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). For this purpose, 761 medical records of dogs attended at the service from January 2015 to December 2020 were analyzed. The results revealed that of all dermatological diagnoses in the species, 28,12% (214/761) of the cases were of dogs with AD. 34,51% (291/761) of the dermatological cases were from allergic etiology, and of these, AD corresponded to 73,56% (214/291), representing the most prevalent allergic disease in dogs at the Veterinary Hospital from UFMG. Females were more affected than males, as well as dogs of defined breeds in comparison to mixed breed dogs, with shih tzu being the most prevalent pure breed, followed by mixed breed dogs. Because it is a highly pruritic disease that affects the quality of life of dogs and their owners, this study contributes to a better understanding and diagnostic approach to the disease in the local canine population.