Contact dermatitis in the dog. A review and a clinical study

Allergic, irritative and photosensitive contact dermatitides make up a group of dermatoses which have traditionally been associated with some difficulties in diagnostication. The reason for this is the problems encountered in setting up, keeping in place, and reading the patch test which is the diagnostic tool relevant to veterinary practice. In the present study, a review of the disease complex is given, and a clinical study, dealing with allergic contact dermatitis, performed with materials and methods available to the small animal practitioner, is discussed with regards to symptomatology, diagnostic work, and therapy. With appropriate management, consisting in an attempt to eliminate the offending item(s), and glucocorticoid therapy adjusted to the clinical response, the disease carries a good prognosis.