STUDY:
RISK FACTORS FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN BOXERS, BULL TERRIERS AND WHWT (2007)
Reference: Nødtvedt, A, Bergvall, K, Sallander, M et al. 2007, “A case–control study of risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis among boxer, bullterrier and West Highland white terrier dogs in Sweden”, Veterinary Dermatology, vol. 18, pp 309–315.
Design: Matched case-control study - 12 experienced veterinarians in Sweden with a special interest in dermatology identified diagnosed cases of AD from their practice to be included. Dogs from 3 high risk breeds were chosen - Boxers, Bull Terriers and WHW terriers. 60 cases/60 controls used.
Aim: to examine environmental and dietary risk factors (ie feeding a home made diet) for developing canine atopic dermatitis in these breeds
Key findings:
-
Feeding a home-made diet to the bitch during lactation was found to protect her offspring from subsequently developing canine atopic dermatitis in these 3 breeds
-
The odds of developing canine atopic dermatitis were twice as high among offspring from bitches that were not exposed to home-made/non-commercial diets.
Limitations:
-
due to time constraints, only around 60 cases and controls were used, which negatively impacts on the power to detect relationships between risk factors and outcome.
-
Results are relevant to 3 high risk breeds in Sweden, and might not be relevant to other populations.
Funded by: Agria Insurance Company Research Foundation. No conflict of interest declared.
Peer reviewed.