Archive Case #5: Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Clinical Clues

1. A 3-year-old Labrador is presented for recurrent itching.
2. The owner says the problem started seasonally when the dog was younger but now seems to occur for much of the year.
3. The dog persistently chews the feet, rubs the face, and has repeated episodes of otitis externa.
4. On examination, there is erythema of the ventrum, periocular region, and interdigital skin, with lichenification in chronic areas.
5. Flea control is current and skin scrapings are negative.
6. The age of onset, body distribution, and recurrent pruritic pattern are most consistent with canine atopic dermatitis.

Diagnosis

Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease associated with environmental allergens. It typically presents with chronic pruritus affecting the face, feet, ears, and ventrum, often beginning seasonally in young dogs.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.