FLEA BITE DERMATITIS (FLEA BITE HYPERSENSITIVITY) IN DOGS

INTRODUCTION Condition arises as a result of hypersensitivity to flea bite Characterized by alopecia and dermatitis.

ETIOLOGICAL AGENTS Ctenocephalides felis -76% Ctenocephalides canis -16% Archaeopsylius erinacei (Hedge hog flea)- 8% Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Rabbit flea)-1%

PATHOGENESIS Both type-1 and type-4 reactions are involved with contribution from cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity and possibly late phase of IgE-mediated reactions. Flea bite---secretion of saliva containing pruritogenic allergens---Delayed inflammatory reactions (pruritus)

CLINICAL SIGNS There are lesions of papular, crusting dermatosis with alopecia which may be generalized or with predilection sites along the dorsal lumbosacral area, dorsum of tail, medial and caudal aspects of hindlimb, abdominal and inguinal areas (ventral abdomen). pruritus

Some cases may be presented as acute pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot). Chronic cases may develop secondary seborrhea and pyoderma. Moderrate

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Allergic Contact Dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis

Treatment and Prevention Short term glucocorticoid eg. Dexamethasone 0.2mg/kg Gentamycin 4mg/kg in chronic cases. Neomycin and Bacitracin (BivacynR) spray. Use acharicide to control fleas