Controlling Itch and Inflammation in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic, relapsing allergic skin disease, affects about 10 percent of all dogs. Even with treatment, atopic dogs can suffer from lifelong itching and inflammation which can lead to self-trauma. Nearly nothing is known about the mechanisms of itch in the dog, making it difficult to develop new therapies. Researchers will investigate the itch-inducing role of a small protein released in response to inflammation. Recent studies have shown that this protein plays a central role in the initiation and maintenance of atopic dermatitis in other species and may be a valuable, new therapy target to control symptoms of itch and inflammation in atopic dogs.