Clinical and epidemiological features and impact of life habits in canine atopic dermatitis in Fortaleza, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a worldwide allergic skin disease. The affected dog population can show different clinical patterns according to geographic region, and a lack of studies in Brazil is observed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the clinical and epidemiological data of cAD in dogs treated in a private clinical practice in Fortaleza, a city located in the Northeast Region of Brazil. cAD was diagnosed in 35% of dogs, being Shih-tzu and Poodle the most affected breeds. Paws and ears were frequently injured sites. Almost 50% of atopic dogs were diagnosed with superficial pyoderma and 36% with cutaneous malasseziosis. Atopic dogs with outdoor habits were less likely to develop cutaneous malassezial infection, and with routine ear, cleaning habits were less likely to develop bacterial otitis externa. In conclusion, canine atopic dermatitis is a prevalent disease in private clinical practice in Fortaleza, and lifestyle habits can be considered a risk factor for cutaneous malasseziosis infection and bacterial otitis externa in atopic dogs.