Background: Exposure to cats and dogs during childhood has been linked to a lower risk of developing allergies. It remains unclear whether this is due to selective avoidance of pets by families with a history of allergies. The effects of pet ownership in adulthood are unknown. Objectives: We sought ...

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an inflammatory skin disorder that is characterized by pruritus and associated cutaneous changes. Treatment interventions include allergen avoidance, allergen-specific immunotherapy as well as a symptomatic therapy using glucocorticoids and antihistamines. In...

Background: Intradermal tests are used to identify allergens for avoidance and immunotherapy in atopic dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives: To evaluate cross-reaction or co-sensitization among 53 intradermal test allergens. Animals: Six hundred and fifty-one client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis....

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease seen in veterinary clinical practice. Several factors appear to contribute to the cutaneous inflammation and pruritus. The therapeutic strategy should focus on control of those factors that can be identified and for which interventional measures are ...

Background: Atopic eczema is a common childhood disease associated with high IgE and eosinophilia. We characterized the clinical features associated with hyper-IgE (defined as IgE >2000 IU/L) in eczema. Methods: Nottingham Eczema Severity Score (NESS), family and personal history of atopy, skin...

Background: In 2010, the International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis (now International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals, ICADA) published the first consensus guidelines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. This is the first 5-year minor update of this document....

The prevalence of human and canine allergic diseases is commonly perceived to be increasing. Suggested predisposing factors in people and dogs include increased allergen load, increased exposure to pollutants, reduced family size, reduced microbial load and less exposure to infection at a young...

Background: IgE-mediated allergies are postulated to require early allergen contact and sensitization for the full development of sustained IgE levels. Methods: Thirty-two Beagle dogs from seven litters selectively bred for their high IgE response were sensitized by subcutaneous injection of...

In Germany each third family has a pet - mostly a dog or a cat. Medical societies recommend to avoid keeping a dog or a cat if a family member is suffering from animal allergy or from atopic diseases such as asthma, hay fever or eczema. Recent studies showed that children and adults who grew up...

Atopy development cannot yet be predicted with certainty, and primary prophylaxis has to be directed at every 'at-risk' infant. However, substantial progress has been made in identifying environmental factors associated with allergic disorders. The process of sensitisation to common allergens may...