Clinical and histopathological characterization of allergic dermatitis in dogs

ABSTRACT:

This paper describes the clinical and histopathological features of allergic dermatitis in dogs diagnosed the metropolitan region of João Pessoa, Paraíba. From September 2014 to September 2015 a total of 90 dogs with skin lesions was studied. Twenty-four cases showed changes consistent with allergic dermatitis, in 12 males and 12 females. The age of dogs ranged from 3 months to 15 years. Atopic dermatitis was the most common, affecting 58.33% (14/24) of the dogs, followed by food hypersensitivity dermatitis at 25% (6/24), allergic contact dermatitis at 8.33% (2/24), a case of allergic dermatitis flea and one case of drug hypersensitivity, which represented 4.17% respectively. Gross lesions included hypotrichosis, hyperpigmentation, comedones, erythema, alopecia, xerosis, erosions, ulcers, and exudates. Anatomically distributed was on face, head, neck, thoracolumbar, lumbosacral, flank, limbs and abdomen. The most common microscopic lesions were hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, spongiosis and exocytosis of lymphocytes in the epidermis. In the superficial dermis was observed perivasculitis, perianexite and in some cases pigmentary incontinence, edema, dilated lymphatic vessels and sweat glands. Histopathological examination associated with medical history, clinical examination and skin examen are important tools for the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis in dogs, as well as for associated therapeutic measures.

INDEX TERMS:
Dermatitis; dogs; skin diseases; hypersensitivity.