Itching or pruritus

Understanding this, we are here to help you and your pet through this challenging situation. Often accompanied by a kerato-seborrheic state (EKS) or bad smell, pruritus can significantly disrupt daily life. This symptom, when present, further exacerbates the already challenging situation.

The various ways pruritus is expressed are closely related to the area of the body affected and the underlying disease causing the pruritus.

This correlation underscores the complexity of the condition, highlighting the importance of seeking professional consultation to accurately diagnose and treat your pet's condition.

Here are the various causes that can lead to itching: Parasitic diseases: even though new external antiparasitic treatments have reduced the frequency of certain parasitic infections, they have not been eradicated. Questions about the onset of the disease, the first affected body locations, and the degree of itching can help identify if pruritus could be related to conditions such as sarcoptic scabies or demodicosis. Specific tests, such as skin scraping or trichography, will confirm the diagnosis. Once confirmed, appropriate external treatment is prescribed along with advice to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to other animals or humans, as some of these diseases are classified as zoonoses.

Allergic diseases can also trigger pruritus. Dermatitis caused by hypersensitivity to flea bites (DHPP) is a common allergy in dogs and cats. It occurs when the pet becomes sensitised to a compound in the flea's saliva. Once the flea has bitten the animal and injected its saliva, the allergy is triggered, regardless of the number of fleas biting.

Food allergy is another potential cause of itching. It can be linked to digestive issues like diarrhoea or vomiting. It's essential to take a thorough food history and consider prescribing a strict elimination diet.

Canine atopic dermatitis (DAC). This disease, currently prevalent in many breeds, is genetically predisposed and often exacerbated by environmental conditions.

Canine atopic dermatitis

The most common reason for consultation in veterinary dermatology is atopic dermatitis. This chronic condition, which affects the immune system, is caused by genetics and environmental factors. It is diagnosed based on symptoms (such as itching or otitis), skin lesions (redness (erythema), hair loss (alopecia), and specific affected areas of the dog's body. The onset of the disease is essential to highlight and often requires an accurate study of previous episodes. Management during the early stages of a dog's life significantly improves its long-term prognosis. This involves tailored local care, managing crisis factors, and potentially using immunomodulators. Since each case is unique and evolves over time, regular check-ups are necessary to adjust the management approach accordingly.

Infectious dermatoses

Bacterial or fungal infections may occur in cases of atopic dermatitis (less commonly, endocrine diseases. These can worsen itching and lead to a foul odour or a kerato-seborrheic state. Identifying these infections requires specific tests. Cytology tests, such as the skin prick test or tape strip test (also known as adhesive cellophane test), can detect the presence of bacteria or yeasts and determine their quantity. Treatment will depend on the specific pathogen present. In some cases, a bacterial culture with an antibiogram may be necessary, especially if there is suspicion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Parasitic dermatoses

Despite the development of broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drugs, many parasitic dermatoses still exist. Depending on one's lifestyle, travel, and environment, it may be necessary to conduct additional examinations to identify these parasites. Fleas, ticks, agents of sarcoptic scabies, Otodectes, or demodicosis have not disappeared. Additional examinations performed during the consultation allowed us to detect parasites. It's crucial to know that some of these parasites are highly contagious to other animals or even humans (zoonosis). Tips to limit the spread of these parasites will be provided during the consultation.

Allergic dermatoses

The most common allergic skin condition in dogs and cats is dermatitis, caused by hypersensitivity to flea bites (DHPP). This is an allergic reaction to a substance in the flea’s saliva. In this case, only a few fleas are needed to trigger a reaction; often, the few fleas on the animal are not visible. This is different from a heavy flea infestation, where a large amount of flea dirt is visible but does not cause

skin lesions on the animal. Understanding the flea larvae cycle is necessary to establish an effective treatment and prevent frequent relapses.

Food allergy, known as food hypersensitivity, may exist in pets. The symptoms can be only digestive or dermatologic, but a mix of both is often present. The diagnosis is based on prescribing an eviction (or elimination) diet. In certain aspects, this restrictive regime will be proposed over a limited period. Improvement of symptoms during diet is a good indicator in diagnosing dietary hypersensitivity. Allergies (or sensitisation) to airborne allergens (aeroallergens) are another cause of allergies that can lead to itching.

Many identified allergens can contribute to allergic skin conditions. After examining the animal's living environment, it's essential to identify any factors that might worsen itching in a dog with atopic dermatitis. Identifying these factors can sometimes allow for long-term desensitisation.

Neoplastic dermatosis generating pruritus: epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma

Epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma is a neoplastic disease that mainly affects older dogs. Early diagnosis is challenging and often requires the expertise of a qualified veterinary dermatologist. Usually, a skin biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Chemotherapy may be a suitable treatment option to help slow down the disease progression.