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

BACKGROUND
Allergic pruritus and urticaria in the horse are challenging for veterinarians and owners; little is known about their long-term management.


OBJECTIVES
To summarize intradermal allergen test results (IDT), and to assess owners' perceptions of skin disease and the effects of medical treatment and management changes in their atopic horses over time.


ANIMALS
Eighty two horses with atopic dermatitis in southeastern England between 2006 and 2011.


METHODS AND MATERIALS
The IDT results were reviewed retrospectively. Owners completed telephone questionnaires on skin changes, medication, effect of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) and management.


RESULTS
Sixty one owners (74.4%) could be contacted, an average of 5.9 years (range 28-88 months) after IDT; of those, three could not be enrolled. Of the 58 remaining horses, eleven (19%) were deceased at the time of owner interview, including four (6.9%) euthanized due to uncontrollable skin disease. The remaining 47 owners reported that the signs of skin disease had not been seen for at least two years in 18 horses (38.3%), including two that only flared with known triggers. Twenty nine horses (61.7%) still required medication to control skin disease although 25 (53.2%) required less since testing. Owners reported benefit from ASIT in nine of 14 horses (64.3%) from glucocorticoids in 33 of 35 (94.3%) and from antihistamines in 17 of 28 (60.7%). Specific management changes were implemented for 22 horses and reported as beneficial in nine of 22 (40.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
Equine atopic dermatitis may not always be chronic, but severe cases appear difficult to control. IDT may help to formulate ASIT and can help to guide management changes.