Canine atopic dermatitis in the Middle East: clinical signs, signalment and common allergens

The aim of the study was to examine for the first time the various aspects of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) presenting in a Middle Eastern country. Medical records of 164 dogs diagnosed with CAD were evaluated. Associations between signalment, lifestyle, clinical signs and allergens were evaluated statistically. Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd dog, Boxer, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever and Shar-Pei breeds were presented more frequently than the regular hospital population (P < 0.0001), and had an earlier disease onset time (P < 0.01). In 22 dogs (13%) signs of CAD were noticed at less than six months of age. Most dogs (75%) lived indoors. Most dogs (83%) had lesions on the ventral part of the body and 68% had foot lesions. After excluding flea allergy dermatitis by implementing strict flea control, 60% of the dogs presented with dorsal distribution of skin lesions. Dogs with ventral lesions were younger when clinical signs first appeared (P < 0.05). Most of the dogs were allergic to dust and/or dust mites (75.6%), with weeds and trees as the next most common allergens. CAD is similar worldwide, but geographic differences may be attributable to genetic pools and allergen loading. This study also shows that early onset of clinical signs, especially in breeds predisposed to CAD and with a dorsal distribution of skin lesions, should not rule out the diagnosis of CAD.