Prevalence of allergic dermatitis in dogs

The relevance of this study was driven by the significant increase in cases of allergic dermatitis in dogs, the dependence of its manifestation on geographical regions, and the conflicting and incomplete data regarding the prevalence of this condition. The study aimed to identify the aetiological, breed, age, and seasonal predispositions to allergic dermatitis in dogs in Vinnytsia (Ukraine). Contemporary methods were employed to examine 6,230 patient records with dermatological conditions from the “Vet House” Veterinary Centre over a threeyear period. The availability of comprehensive data for each patient in the ENOTE database enabled a thorough investigation of the prevalence of allergic dermatitis among dogs in this geographical area during the 2021-2023 timeframe. The results of the analysis indicated a high incidence of allergic dermatitis in dogs, with no significant correlation to sex. It was found that allergic dermatitis was most frequently diagnosed in dogs aged 1 to 3 years, with acral dermatitis being more prevalent in those aged 3 to 7 years. It was established that the incidence of allergic dermatitis increased sharply during the summer. The most prevalent conditions in dogs during warmer months were atopic and flea dermatitis, while acral dermatitis was more common in colder seasons. Dogs of certain breeds, including Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Maltese, American Cocker Spaniel, and their crossbreeds, were found to be the most susceptible to flea dermatitis. A higher predisposition to atopic dermatitis was identified in French Bulldogs, Labradors, Pugs, and American Cocker Spaniels, while Labradors and Drahthaars were more prone to acral dermatitis. The findings of this study are of practical significance for general practice veterinary clinicians and dermatologists, who can benefit from incorporating the observed patterns of aetiological, breed, age, and seasonal predispositions, as well as the influence of various factors, into their approach to diagnosing and managing allergic dermatitis in dogs