Atopic dermatitis occurs in various dog breeds and is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Characteristic symptoms include pronounced itching and skin changes, which are mostly found at the head, the paws, the belly, and in skin creases of the joints. Affected dogs also frequently suffer from recurrent ear infections. Together with Prof. Dr. Petra Roosje (Clinical Dermatology) and Prof. Dr. Eliane Marti (Clinical Immunology) we studied predisposing factors that lead to the development of atopic dermatitis in Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial disease. So far, no relevant genetic tests for dog breeders could be developed.
