Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is thought to be the most common form of allergy in dogs, affecting up to 15% of the dog population and accounting for 25% of dogs referred for pruritus. Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary allergy whereby the dog is sensitive to airborne substances from the environment, such as pollens, mites, moulds and dander. The most obvious symptom of an atopic condition is pruritus. Pruritus is caused by inflammation of the skin, typically of the paws, head, armpit or groin. Dogs often lick or bite their feet and can be seen rubbing their heads along the floor or other objects. The skin inflammation can be exacerbated by bacterial or yeast infections, such as Staphylococcus and Malassezia. First symptoms typically occur at 1–3 years of age (~75% of all cases). Occasionally symptoms occur in animals under 6 months of age.

When other triggers of the symptoms are ruled out, atopy is diagnosed. The next step is to perform an allergy test to identify which allergens are causing the allergic reaction. SPOT Platinum+ Serum Test uses the latest technology in allergy testing. It has three proprietary monoclonal antibodies from a specific recombinant IgE as well as CCD blockers, resulting in the highest level of specificity and sensitivity.

Atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition, and for this reason any treatment must be continued for life. The recommended choice for treating atopy is Hypo-sensitization (also called allergen-specific immunotherapy). Immunotherapy is the only treatment that will stop the allergy from progressing, by making the immune system less sensitive, or totally insensitive, to the allergens that trigger the allergic reaction.

Insect-bite hypersensitivity (IBH) or “sweet itch” is the most common allergic disease in horses. It is a seasonally recurrent allergic dermatitis caused by hypersensitivity to the saliva of biting insects, especially Culicoides species. Atopy or atopic dermatitis involves a skin allergy to environmental substances such as pollen, mites, dander and molds. Depending on the specific allergen, it may be seasonal or non-seasonal. The clinical symptoms of IBH and atopy can overlap, with pruritus as the primary symptom. Some horses are affected by both conditions simultaneously.

In both conditions, self-trauma due to scratching, biting and rubbing may lead to skin erosion and ulcers, hair loss, excoriations, lichenification and pigmentary disturbances that contribute to the development of secondary superficial bacterial infections. A pyoderma is typified by excess scaling, small epidermal collarettes and encrusted papules.

Sometimes recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) can occur, with or without pruritus. RAO is an allergic-type condition of stabled horses and is characterized by small airway inflammation, airway neutrophilia and obstruction after exposure to, for example, moldy hay and straw (allergy to mold spores). Uncommon symptoms such as laminitis and head tossing may also be associated with allergies.