Long-term management of horses with atopic dermatitis in southeastern England: a retrospective questionnaire study of owners’ perceptions.

This research article examines how owners in southeastern England manage horses with atopic dermatitis over the long term. It reviews intradermal allergen test (IDT) results and assesses the owners’ views on skin diseases, medicine effects, and management changes on their atopic horses.

Objective and Methods

• The primary objective of the study is to summarize the IDT results and to evaluate the perceptions of horse owners on the skin disease and effects of medical treatment and management changes in their atopic horses over time.
• The methods of the study included a retrospective review of the IDT results for 82 horses with atopic dermatitis in southeastern England from 2006 – 2011. In addition, the owners were contacted for telephone questionnaires on skin changes, medication, the effect of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), and management changes.

Results

• Among the 82 horses, 61 owners (74.4%) responded to the questionnaire, taken an average of 5.9 years after the IDT. From these, three couldn’t be included in the study.
• Of the 58 horses left, 11 (19%) had died at the time of the interview, four (6.9%) of them were euthanized due to uncontrollable skin disease.
• The other 47 owners reported that 18 horses (38.3%) have not shown any sign of skin disease for at least two years, while the remaining 29 (61.7%) still needed medication to control the skin disease. However, 25 horses (53.2%) required lesser medication since the testing.
• ASIT was reported to be beneficial in 9 of the 14 horses (64.3%). Glucocorticoids benefited 33 of 35 horses (94.3%), and antihistamines were beneficial in 17 of 28 horses (60.7%).
• Specific management changes were implemented for 22 horses and reported as beneficial in nine of them (40.9%).

Conclusion

• Atopic dermatitis in horses may not always be a chronic condition, but severe cases can be challenging to control.
• It was concluded that IDT could be helpful in formulating ASIT and informing management changes.