A Canine Atopic Dermatitis Improved by Hyposensitization

Abstract

A three-year-old shiba dog with chronic allergic symptoms which included general pruritic alopecia, erythema, and otitis externa was treated successfully by hyposensitization. After treatment with a corticosteroid, and later, with trial hypoallergenic dietary therapy, the patient showed a temporary improvement. But the clinical signs eventually became aggravated and difficult to control anymore. Therefore, hyposensitization, a kind of immunotherapy, was chosen, and skin tests were performed against more than 20 antigens before starting the therapy. The tests revealed that several antigens were strongly possitive. Clinical signs improved remarkably two months after hyposensitization was initiated.