What is dermatitis and what are the symptoms?Canine and feline dermatitis are inflammatory skin conditions caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, parasites, infections, and poor nutrition. Both are characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin that may be accompanied by itching and discomfort. In cats, the most common type of dermatitis is called "miliary dermatitis," which is caused by flea infestation or an allergic reaction to food or other substances in the environment. In dogs, allergies are often the cause of dermatitis. Symptoms of canine and feline dermatitis include excessive scratching or licking at affected areas of the body, redness or swelling in the skin around the ears or joints, hair loss in patches on the body, crusty deposits on the skin from constant licking or rubbing, sores from scratching and biting at itchy spots, inflammation around hair follicles and flaky dandruff-like patches on the fur. Additionally, cats may show signs of anxiety such as excessive grooming or changes in their normal behavior due to discomfort from their condition. According to estimates, 10-15% of dogs suffer with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), a condition that appears to be getting worse over time. Pure-bred dogs are reportedly more likely than mixed-breed dogs to get allergic dermatitis and atopy. It has been demonstrated in the past that Staffordshire bull terriers and related breeds (bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and pit bull terrier) are especially prone to CAD. Diet has a significant impact on every aspect of the body, including metabolism. Dietary changes may be able to influence how clinical signs of CAD present themselves, according to prior research. How does a different diet cause dermatitis? - Research summariesA study used RNA sequencing to assess the impact of two different diet types on the gene expression of the skin and to identify differently expressed genes between atopic and healthy dogs. The number of healthy canines and canine atopic dermatitis patients employed in this investigation was equal. The dogs were split into two diet groups: a kibble diet, which is a common commercial product that has been heated, and a non-processed, high-fat diet (raw meat-based diet). At the conclusion of the diet-intervention trial, it was discovered that the raw meat diet group had upregulated numerous immunity-related genes. Those genes are associated with innate immune function, inflammation, and antioxidants, which may indicate that their innate immunity was strengthened and that there was an increase in antioxidants. The other study was carried out in Finland to look at the connection between canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and pre- and postnatal food intake in dogs. Its data was gathered via a web-based survey from more than 2000 qualified samples. The results suggest that providing a non-processed meat-based diet (raw food) throughout the prenatal and early postnatal periods showed a substantial negative correlation with the incidence of CAD in adult dogs (age above 1 year). On the other hand, a diet high in processed carbohydrates was linked to a much increased risk of developing CAD. How can you get started on a raw food diet for your dog or cat with dermatitis?Starting a raw food diet for your pet with dermatitis can be an intimidating prospect, with many questions around what ingredients to include and where to find them. Thankfully, it is possible to make the transition from commercial pet foods to raw foods in a way that is safe and healthy for your pet. To get started, it's important to consider any known allergies your pet may have as you plan the meal. Once you have identified ingredients best suited for your pet's needs, you can research recipes or create your own using guidelines from qualified veterinarians or dietary experts. Remember, please introduce a raw diet gradually like over 1-3 months. If done properly, a homemade raw food diet may provide significant improvements in dermatitis symptoms. Final thoughtIf you think your pet may be suffering from dermatitis, it's important to consult with a veterinarian. They will be able to help you identify the root cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. Diet has a significant impact on every aspect of the body and may be able to influence how clinical signs of dermatitis present themselves. Resources:
Anturaniemi, J., Zaldívar-López, S., Savelkoul, H. F. J., Elo, K., & Hielm-Björkman, A. (2020, September 8). The effect of atopic dermatitis and diet on the skin transcriptome in Staffordshire bull terriers. Frontiers. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.552251/full Hemida, M. (2020, May 29). Identification of modifiable pre- and postnatal dietary and environmental exposures associated with owner-reported canine atopic dermatitis in Finland using a web-based questionnaire. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225675 Hemida, M. B. M., Salin, S., Vuori, K. A., Moore, R., Anturaniemi, J., Rosendahl, S., Barrouin-Melo, S. M., & Hielm-Björkman, A. (2021). Puppyhood diet as a factor in the development of owner-reported allergy/atopy skin signs in adult dogs in Finland. Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 35(5), 2374–2383. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16211
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AuthorYuki Konno MS, LVT, CVWHM(civt) Archives
November 2024
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