Atopic dermatitis

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin condition found to affect horses. It occurs as a result of an interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as allergens (dust, mold, and/or pollen). It is caused by the horse's inability to repair damage to the skin barrier. The disease can occur seasonally or nonseasonally, depending on the allergens involved.

Certain horse breeds are more prone to developing allergies; these include Dutch warmbloods, Morgans, Paso Finos, Swedish warmbloods, Oldenburgs, Hackney horses, Arabians, Arabian/Saddlebred cross breeds, and Polish Arabians.

Although itching is the primary symptom, skin lesions can range from mild redness to severe lichenification.

Symptoms

Intense itching
Wheals
Hair loss
Scaling
Lichenification

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Intradermal skin test
  • Serum IgE Test

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT)
Topical corticosteroids
Hypo-sensitization
Avoidance of precipitating factors
Change in feed
Soaking hay in water

Prevention

Scientific Research

General Overviews

Age Range

Age of onset in horses is typically between 1-6 years of age.