Serological Investigations on Environmental Allergens Triggering Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs from Western Romania

This study focused on identifying the environmental allergens causing allergic dermatitis in 250 dogs from Western Romania. Among the 250 dogs tested, 43% (107) exhibited significant allergic reactions (IgE levels greater than 2 kU/L), particularly in Maltese, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and West Highland White Terriers. The highest reactivity was observed to house dust mites (<i>Dermatophagoides farinae</i>, 91%), rye pollen (45%), and flea allergen <i>Ctef</i> 1 (15%). Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations between breed, sex, and living environment. Males exhibited a higher susceptibility to allergies (<i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas dogs that spent most of their time indoors were significantly more susceptible to allergic diseases than their mostly outdoors counterparts (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Additionally, dogs under two years old, especially those on a dry food diet, had an elevated risk of developing allergies (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Clinical manifestations included pruritus (60%), otitis externa (42%), and specific skin lesions (66%). The study underscores the role of environmental and dietary factors in the development of allergies in dogs. However, financial limitations related to allergy testing kits restricted the sample size, highlighting the need for further, more comprehensive research to enhance the generalizability of these findings.