Clinical Survey of Canine Dermatosis in Japan

Abstract

This retrospective survey of canine skin disorders is based on the records of 534 dogs treated at a referral dermatology clinic. The most common groups of skin disorders were infections (29.5%), allergic disorders (19.1%), and endocrinopathy (13.7%; P<0.01). The final diagnoses of pyoderma (16.3%), seborrheic dermatitis (13.5%), and atopic dermatitis (9.1%) were frequently encountered. The most common clinical course was control of the diseases through continued maintenance therapy (52.2%; P<0.01). In addition to this survey, we conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey of canine skin disorders. Reported from 669 small animal clinics showed that skin disorders including otitis externa is one of the most frequently encountered diseases in canine practice. A seasonal high incidence of skin diseases occurred in summer (64.5%; P<0.01). In clinics, the most common groups of skin disorders were infections (32.1%) and allergic disorders (21.5%); and the most common final diagnoses were flea allergic dermatitis (86.7%), pyoderma (85.1%), otitis externa (84.6%), atopic dermatitis (56.5%), seborrheic dermatitis (50.4%), ear mite infection (48.4%), acute moist dermatitis (47.2%), and acral lick dermatitis (41.9%).