Advances in Equine Atopic Dermatitis, Serologic and Intradermal Allergy Testing

Abstract

The role of environmental allergens in equine atopic dermatitis as the cause of pruritus in horses is becoming better appreciated. Atopic dermatitis presents as either seasonal or nonseasonal pruritus, sometimes complicated by concurrent insect-bite hypersensitivity and/or secondary superficial bacterial infection (most often staphylococcal in origin). Diagnosis is based on history and clinical presentation, as well as elimination of other causes of pruritus. Detection of presumed allergens may be performed using either intradermal or serologic testing. Treatment may be symptomatic using antipruritic drugs, and/or allergen-specific immunotherapy. The success rate of the latter currently approaches 70%.