You may know someone with hay fever: airborne pollens and dust particles are inhaled and soon the sneezing and sniffing begins.

A simple way to think of atopy in pets is that the pet inhales an airborne allergen but instead of sneezing and sniffing the pet gets itchy skin.

In fact, the situation is probably far more complex: the allergen is also in contact with and absorbed by the skin, causing local itching.

Airborne particles (pollen, dander etc) are harmless to someone who is not allergic to them. Allergy develops in individuals who are genetically programmed to do so.

Breeds predisposed to developing atopy include: Golden and Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Shar Peis, Maltese Terriers, Carin Terriers, Lhasa Apsso, Shih Tzus, Boxers and Pugs.

Symptoms

There are many reasons that pets itch: parasites, allergy to flea bites, food allergy, secondary infections and the list goes on. Sometimes, the only symtoms of atopy are recurrent ear infections or conjunctivitis.

The following findings in the history and examination of the patient might lead to a diagnosis of atopy.

They are seasonally itchy

In dogs, atopy usually produces a seasonal itchiness. However, after several years of the disease, the itchy period may extend the whole year round. In cats, seasonal signs are less common.

Itching started at a young age

In dogs, seasonal itchiness due to atopy tends to begin earlier in life, usually within their first 3 years. Cats on the other hand, can develop seasonal itchiness at any age.

Good response to steroid medication

Whether a cat or a dog, itchiness due to atopy responds rapidly to steroid (cortisone based) medication. Itching due to insect bites also respond well to steroid medication.

Typical irritation pattern

In dogs, atopy is associated with a classic irritation pattern with typical parts of the body being affected. These involve the skin around the eyes and mouth, the ears (leading to ear infections), armpits, abdomen, lower legs (especially the front feet) and the area around the anus.

It should be noted that itchiness due to food allergy has a similar pattern, but the pet’s history will be different.

In cats, there is no classic pattern of irritation.

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