Not only is atopic or allergic dermatitis in dogs the most common veterinary conditions in all pets, but it has topped the charts for two years running.

Animals with dermatitis become very itchy and the resultant scratching leads to skin injuries and secondary skin infections. Atopy is usually first noticed in dogs younger than 3 years of age, although older pets can also be affected. Unfortunately, pets that develop atopy are usually plagued by skin problems throughout their lives.

Susceptible breeds include Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Wire Fox Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Dalmatians, English Setters, Irish Setters, Boxers, and Bulldogs, among others, although any dog may be affected. Even mixed breeds may suffer from dermatitis.

In 2013, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) received more than 77,000 canine claims—an increase of 9,000, or 13 percent, from 2012—for atopic or other allergic dermatitis, the most common reason for taking a dog to see a veterinarian. The average cost per office visit for these conditions was $187, almost double the $96 average charge per visit in 2012.

In 2012 allergic dermatitis was unexpected because it was the first time in five years, dermatitis claimed the No. 1 slot, knocking the usual otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear canal and/or pinna that usually is caused by bacteria or fungi) down to second place.

Susceptible breeds include Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Wire Fox Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Dalmatians, English Setters, Irish Setters, Boxers, and Bulldogs, among others, although any dog may be affected. Even mixed breeds may suffer from dermatitis.

Advice given by Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI is, “To prevent the discomfort that so many pets experience with common diseases, we encourage pet owners to examine their pets regularly for developing problems and seek veterinary attention immediately. Clearly, many of the conditions on our Top 10 list each year can be resolved or successfully managed by early partnership with their veterinarian.” The top 10 conditions that she was referring to are listed below.

Here are some of the other medical conditions that made VPI’s list in 2013, which was compiled from a database of more than 500,000 insured pets:

Dogs

1. Atopic or other allergic dermatitis
2. Otitis externa
3. Benign skin neoplasia
4. Pyoderma or hot spot
5. Osteoarthritis
6. Gastropathy
7. Enteropathy
8. Periodontitis or dental disease
9. Cystitis or urinary tract infection
10. Soft tissue trauma

Source: