Atopic Dermatitis: Beyond the Rx Pad

Learning Objectives

• 1Explain the immunopathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis including the roles of skin barrier deficiency, IgE sensitization, IL-4/IL-13/IL-31 cytokine signaling, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius superinfection
• 2Apply the Favrot criteria and CADESI-04 scoring system to diagnose and monitor canine atopic dermatitis in clinical practice
• 3Analyze the mechanisms of action, appropriate use, and limitations of the major CAD therapeutics — oclacitinib (Apoquel), lokivetmab (Cytopoint), and grapiprant — and compare them to corticosteroids
• 4Evaluate the evidence for allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) as a disease-modifying treatment for CAD and identify appropriate candidates for referral
• 5Build a complete multimodal management plan for a dog with CAD incorporating skin barrier repair, trigger avoidance, antipruritic therapy, infection control, and integrative adjuncts

Course Syllabus

1. 1
   Meet Olive: The Dog Who Just Can't Stop ItchingPreview

   Case introduction — 3-year-old Labrador with bilateral symmetric pruritus, recurrent ear infections, and a history of intermittent steroid use

   5 min
2. 2
   Immunopathogenesis: The Inside-Out and Outside-In Models

   Filaggrin deficiency, skin barrier dysfunction, IgE sensitization cascade, IL-4/IL-13/IL-31 signaling, Staphylococcus superinfection cycle

   11 min
3. 3
   Diagnosis: The Favrot Criteria and CADESI-04

   Clinical diagnosis using Favrot criteria, ruling out differential diagnoses (scabies, CAFR, demodicosis, Malassezia), allergy testing for ASIT planning (not diagnosis)

   8 min