Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease affecting both dogs and cats. The exact cause or development of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood but it is currently thought that affected animals are genetically predisposed and as a result, they have an exaggerated immune response and defective skin barrier. A poor skin barrier allows easy penetration of bacteria/yeast (naturally residing on the skin) and environmental allergens (such as pollens and mites) and consequently, these “foreign invaders” exacerbate the detrimental cycle of skin inflammation and feeling itchy. Certain breeds are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis than others such as, in dogs, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs and Labradors.
As previously mentioned, atopic dogs and cats have inflamed and itchy skin; to protect the skin and make affected animals feel less itchy, anti-itch treatment should be started. In general, there are six different anti-itch treatment options available, all with various pros and cons. There is not one option that suits all dogs and cats, so it is the responsibility of the dermatologist to choose the most suitable. Examples of factors influencing the decision include:
- If itching and/or the affected skin (including the ears) is localised or widespread
- How quickly it takes for the treatment to have an effect
- What treatment has been tried before and what has worked well
- How the skin looks and if a secondary infection is present
- Route of administration
- Cost and owner preference.
Below is a table summarising the six anti-itch treatment options available – if you have any further questions, please speak to your dermatologist.
Medication | What is it and how does it work? | How is it given? | Speed of action | Cost | Side effects |
Topical steroid:
Cortavance
*Licensed to use on the skin of the body only |
Anti-inflammatory that inhibits the process of inflammation in the skin only, i.e. minimal systemic effects | Solution that is either:
– Sprayed onto the skin – Applied into the ear |
Quite rapid with obvious improvement after 1-2 weeks | 1 bottle = £70 and once broached, can be used for 6 months
|
Short-term: none reported
Long-term: thinning of the skin, alopecia, ulceration |
Medication | What is it and how does it work? | How is it given? | Speed of action | Cost | Side effects |
Oral steroids:
Prednisolone methylprednisolone dexamethasone |
Anti-inflammatory that inhibits the process of inflammation | Tablets or liquid given daily to start with, then tapered | Rapid: 4 hours | Cheap
Example: tablets for a medium-sized dog for 1 month = approximately £20 |
Short-term: increased drinking and urination, increased appetite and weight gain
Long-term: muscle wastage, urinary tract infections, induced hormone disease (Cushing’s) |
Atopica
Cyclavance Sporimmune |
Another anti-inflammatory that inhibits the different cell types involved in allergy | Capsules or liquid given daily to start with, then tapered | Slow: 4-6 weeks | Most expensive
Example: capsules for a medium-sized dog for 1 month = approximately £275
|
Short-term:
vomiting/diarrhoea can occur
Long-term: thickening of the gum, increased hair growth, risk for secondary skin infections |
Apoquel
*Licensed for dogs only |
Blocks the neural pathway causing the sensation of itch | Tablets given twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily | Rapid: within
24 hours |
Expensive
Example: tablets for a medium-sized dog for 1 month = approximately £85 |
Short- and long-term:
urinary tract infections/cystitis, vomiting/diarrhoea,skin abnormalities including masses |
Medication | What is it and how does it work? | How is it given? | Speed of action | Cost | Side effects |
Cytopoint
*Licensed for dogs only |
Synthetic antibody that neutralises a specific cell type involved in allergy | Injection given every 4 weeks to start with, then potentially every 5-6 weeks | Rapid: 24 hours | Expensive
Example: injection for a medium-sized dog for 1 month = approximately £100 |
None reported so far (new medication) |
Allergen-specific immunotherapy | Solution containing a tiny amount of selected allergens; the intention of this treatment is to desensitise the immune system to the allergens in the solution so that when they are encountered in day-to-day life, no allergic reaction occurs | Injection given every few weeks to start with, then every month | Very slow:
9-12 months |
Initially expensive
Example: vial for 1 year = £250-300
|
Very rare but a few side effects are reported to transiently occur after the injection is given: itchiness, sleepiness, vomiting/diarrhoea |
Download this as a PDF document – Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis