Fleabite allergic dermatitis: a review and survey of 330 cases

Clinical signs of acute fleabite allergic dermatitis (FAD) in dogs included intense pruritus and erythema. Dogs with chronic FAD had diminished pruritus. The primary lesion of FAD was a papule. Secondary lesions (hyperkeratosis and hyerpigmentation) were common. Diagnosis of FAD was based on history of flea infestation and on type and location of lesions. Intradermal testing with glycerinated flea antigen was of little diagnostic value. Treatment of FAD included (1) breaking the flea life cycle in the indoor and kennel environment by vacuuming and washing bedding as well as by the use of aerosol insecticides for fumigation, (2) minimizing flea infestation on the dogs by using insecticidal dips, baths, and flea collars, and (3) hyposensitization with flea antigen.