PREVALANCE, CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, POSSIBLE ETIOLOGICALAND DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH IN DOGS WITH ACRAL LICK DERMATITIS

Acral lick dermatitis (ALD) is a chronic irritating skin disease in dogs caused by excessive licking of specified skin areas. The objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and diagnostic approach and to classify the possible etiologies of ALD in dogs. Case investigation forALD included a recording of thorough history presenting, clinical signs and signs associated with the lesion, laboratory and orthopedic investigations, cytological examination, and biopsy/histopathology and hematology. Among the dermatological cases, the overall prevalence of ALD was 7.27%. Prevalence of ALD was higher in young (1-3years) age group dogs predominantly in male dogs during winter months with temperature <200C and Labrador retriever was the most commonly affected breed. Possible etiologies in 30 cases diagnosed with ALD were psychogenic triggers (19 cases, 63.33%) followed by only organic triggers (9 cases, 30%) and a combination of primary organic triggers with perpetuating psychogenic triggers (2 cases, 6.66%). The left forelimb (40%) followed by the right forelimb (13.33%) were the most affected limbs with ALD. Lesion characteristics observed were alopecia in 27 dogs (90%), circumscribed lesions in 16 dogs (53.33%), induration and firmness in 15 dogs (50%), ulceration in 14 dogs (46.66%), and moist lesions in 14 dogs (46.66%). The most common clinical signs associated with the disease were licking of paws in both organic and psychogenic triggers and additionally pruritus and erythema. Cytological examination of the lesions revealed chronic active inflammation in 24 cases and purulent inflammation in 6 cases. Histopathological findings of ALD lesion illustrated hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and dermal fibrosis with vertical streaking. Stress polycythemia was a consistent finding recorded with only psychogenic triggers.